Method, apparatus and article for delivering media content via a user-selectable narrative presentation

ABSTRACT

A narrative includes a number of serially connected narrative segments combined by a director or editor in a defined sequence to tell a story. Quite frequently a number of different narrative segments are available to the director or editor. A content delivery editor provides editors and directors with the ability to augment a standard with additional narrative segments that provide alternate perspectives, view, or insights to the narrative consumer. Such provides the ability to convey the same narrative to the narrative consumer using a number of plots, storylines, or perspectives. Branch points in the narrative, defined by the editor or director, provide the narrative consumer the opportunity to follow a storyline they find interesting. Each narrative consumer follows a “personalized” path through the narrative. Through social media, narrative consumers are able to discuss the narrative path with other narrative consumers who have taken a different path through the narrative.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application is generally related to the presentation of narratives in audio, visual, and audio-visual forms.

BACKGROUND

The art of storytelling is a form of communication dating back to ancient times. Storytelling allows humans to pass information on to one another for entertainment and instructional purposes. Oral storytelling has a particularly long history and involves the describing of a series of events using words and other sounds. More recently, storytellers have taken advantage of pictures and other visual presentations to relate the events comprising the story. Particularly effective is a combination of audio and visual representations, most commonly found in motion pictures, television programs, and video presentations.

Until recently, narrative presentations have typically been non-interactive, the series of events forming the story being presented as a sequence of narrative segments is a predefined set or chosen by a director or editor. Although “Director's Cuts” and similar presentations may provide a media content consumer with additional media content (e.g., additional scenes) or information related to one or more production aspects of the narrative, such information is often presented as an alternative to the standard narrative presentation (e.g., theatrical release) or simultaneous (e.g., as a secondary audio program) with the standard narrative presentation. At times, such “Director's Cuts” provide the media content consumer with additional scenes (e.g., scenes removed or “cut” during the editing process to create a theatrical release). However, such presentation formats still rely on the presentation of narrative segments in an order completely defined by the director or editor before release.

At other times, supplemental content in the form of voiceovers or similar features involving actors or others involved in the production of the narrative is available to the media content consumer (e.g., BD-LIVE® for BLURAY® discs). However, such content is often provided as an alternative to or contemporaneous with the narrative. Thus, such features rely on the presentation of narrative segments in an order predefined by the director or editor.

Some forms of media provide the media content consumer with an ability to affect the plotline offer another alternative. For example, video games may implement a branching structure, where various branches will be followed based on input received from the media content consumer. Also for example, instructional computer programs may present a series of events where media content consumer input selections change the order of presentation of the events, and can cause the computer to present some events, while not presenting other events.

SUMMARY

A variety of techniques are set out herein, which implement new forms of narrative presentation. These techniques address various technical problems in defining narratives in a way that allows media content consumers to explore the narratives in a way that is at least partially under the control of the media content consumer. Thus, while a director or editor may control the content of the narrative, and may even set some limits on an order in which a particular narrative is presented, the content consumer can to at least some extent control that order. In some instances, an editing tool allow specification of the narrative, ordering, and which may or may not be conditional. In some instances, a media content player and/or backend system may implement the delivery of the narrative presentation employing some of the described techniques. The described techniques may also foster social engagement between two or more media content consumers, who may for example explore a narrative collaboratively, each media content consumer having access to different parts of the narrative.

A narrative may be considered a defined sequence of narrative events that conveys a story or message to a media content consumer. Narratives are fundamental to storytelling, games, and educational materials. A narrative may be broken into a number of distinct segments or a number of distinct scenes. A narrative may even be presented episodically, episodes released periodically, aperiodically, or even in bulk (e.g., entire season of episodes all released on the same day).

Characters within the narrative will interact with other characters, other elements in the story, and the environment itself as the narrative presentation progresses. Even with the most accomplished storytelling, only a limited number of side storylines and only a limited quantity of character development can occur within the timeframe prescribed for the overall narrative presentation. Often editors and directors will selectively omit a significant portion of the total number of narrative threads or events available for inclusion in the narrative presentation. The omitted narrative threads or events may be associated with the perspective, motivation, mental state, or similar character aspects of one or more characters appearing in the narrative presentation. While omitted narrative threads or events do not necessarily change the overall storyline (i.e., outcome) of the narrative, they can provide the media content consumer with insights on the perspective, motivation, mental state, or similar other physical or mental aspects of one or more characters appearing in the narrative presentation, and hence modify the media content consumer's understanding or perception of the narrative and/or characters. Such omitted narrative threads or events may be in the form of distinct narrative segments, for instance vignettes or additional or side storylines related to (e.g., sub-plots of) the main storyline of the larger narrative.

Providing a media content consumer with intermittent cues or prompts, each including a plurality of user selectable icons each corresponding to a respective narrative segment, at defined points along a narrative provides an alternative to the traditional serial presentation of narrative segments selected solely by the production and/or editing team. For example, rather than viewing the motion picture “Rocky” as a number of serial narrative segments from Rocky Balboa's (Sylvester Stallone's) perspective, at defined points the media content consumer might be presented with the opportunity to view the narrative through Mickey Goldmill's (Burgess Meredith's) perspective as Rocky's trainer; Adrian's (Talia Shire's) perspective as Rocky's girlfriend; and/or Apollo Creed's (Carl Weather's) perspective as Rocky's opponent. Each of the narrative segments provides the media content consumer with additional insight that is complimentary to and does not change or detract from the plot or storyline of the overall narrative (i.e., any sequence of narrative segments selected by the media content consumer would not affect or alter Rocky Balboa defeating Apollo Creed in the final scene of the narrative). Thus, rather than a traditional branching structure (e.g., video game), the essentially story and outcome of the narrative is not changed by the media content consumer's selections, although the media content consumer may take away a different understanding of the motivations of the characters and underlying message of the narrative.

Advantageously, the ability for media content consumers to view a narrative based on personally selected narrative segments enables each media content consumer to uniquely experience the narrative. At times, the sequence of narrative segments selected by a media content consumer may preclude the presentation of, or access to, additional narrative segments after the conclusion of the narrative (i.e., the media content consumer is able to view the narrative presentation only in the narrative segment sequence that the specific media content consumer themselves select). Such an arrangement may beneficially promote communication, interaction, or dialog between media content consumers who desire to relate their impression of the narrative based on their respective narrative segment sequence or narrative segment path with the impressions of other media content consumers who experienced the narrative as a different narrative segment sequence. At times, social media may facilitate such communication between media content consumers, thereby increasing public interest about the narrative in both mainstream or conventional media as well as social media forms. Other information may be gathered and analyzed based on the narrative segment sequences of different media content consumers. For example, media content consumer demographic information may be analyzed to determine the preferred narrative sequence segment for a defined demographic group of media content consumers.

At times, prompts, cues, or similar identifiers may be presented to the media content consumer either during the presentation of a narrative segment or at the conclusion of the narrative segment to indicate the availability of additional content in the form of additional narrative segments and/or additional or bonus content, or the availability of additional materials, for example additional materials that explore a mental or psychological state of a character. Receipt of an input by the media content consumer indicative of a desire to view the additional or additional or bonus content may cause the presentation of the selected additional or bonus content while the presentation of the original or current narrative segment is placed on “HOLD.” At the conclusion of the additional or bonus content, the original narrative segment resumes. Such implementations are useful for providing media content consumers with insight into the emotional or mental state of a character appearing in or related to the narrative segment.

At other times, the media content consumer may be presented with a plurality of icons, prompts, or cues, each representing a particular narrative segment to transition to at the conclusion of a narrative segment. Such an arrangement advantageously permits the serial presentation of narrative segments selected, at least in part, by the media content consumer. Such implementations are useful for providing each media content consumer the capability to view the narrative presentation as a personally unique series of narrative segments capable of presenting the narrative from a number of perspectives.

Advantageously, artistic control remains with the artist, director or editor who selects required narrative segments (e.g., beginning and ending segments of the narrative presentation); the points in the narrative presentation at which narrative segments become available to the media content consumer; which narrative segments are available to the media content consumer, and/or any conditions which must be satisfied (e.g., viewing of a given narrative segment) and results or actions which follow a meeting or failure to meet the specified condition(s).

A media content consumer's specific sequence or “path” through a narrative may be monitored and employed for a variety of purposes. Such may, for example, allow comparisons between media content consumers, identifying those with similar paths, dissimilar paths, or complementary paths. This may foster social networking between media content consumers, and even cooperative sharing of narrative segments not otherwise available to a media content consumer. Such may, for example, allow the deriving of metrics for the media content consumer, assessment of other narrative content to propose to a media content consumer and/or advertisements which may be of particular interest to the media content consumer. At times, the media content consumer may be presented with a summary of the viewed narrative segments or narrative segment “path,” and optionally, the unconsumed narrative segments. This viewing summary may be presented in graphical form, for example as a directed graph of nodes and edges, with each node representing a narrative segment and each edge indicating the viewing order of the narrative segments by the respective media content consumer. The information contained in the summary may provide the media content consumer with the ability to readily identify other media content consumers who viewed the same or a different sequence of narrative segments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative states of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the positions of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an illustrative content delivery system network that includes media content creators, media content editors, and media content consumers, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative content delivery system narrative presentation created using a number of user inputs provided to the content delivery system, each input indicative of a selection of serial, narrative segments, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative content delivery system narrative presentation created using a number of default narrative segments and a number of user inputs provided to the content delivery system, each input indicative of a number of serial user-selected narrative segments, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 1D is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative content delivery system narrative presentation created using a number of default narrative segments and a number of user inputs provided to the content delivery system and additionally including a number of additional or bonus content accessible by the media content consumer, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 1E is a flow diagram depicting another illustrative content delivery system narrative presentation created using a number of user inputs provided to the content delivery system, each input indicative of a selection of serial, narrative segments, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an illustrative content editor system, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a high-level logic flow diagram showing an illustrative method of presenting a narrative presentation to a media content consumer by a content delivery system, the narrative presentation comprising a series of user-selected narrative segments, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a screen capture of an illustrative prompt that includes two media content consumer selectable icons with which a media content consumer can provide an input to the content delivery system indicating a desired narrative segments, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a high-level logic flow diagram showing an illustrative method of receiving media content consumer selections indicative of narrative segments, presenting the selected narrative segments as a portion of a narrative presentation, and generating a narrative path graph showing at least the viewed narrative segments, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a screen capture of an illustrative narrative path graph that includes a directed graph of nodes and edges generated by the content delivery system and provided to a media content consumer with the narrative, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a high-level logic flow diagram showing an illustrative method of presenting a narrative presentation to a media content consumer using a content delivery system, the narrative presentation comprising a series of user-selected narrative segments where the presented narrative segments are fewer in number than the total available number of narrative segments, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a high-level logic flow diagram showing an illustrative method of presenting additional un-selected, unaccessed, or unviewed narrative segments by a content delivery system to a media content consumer based on fulfilling a defined condition or meeting a defined criterion, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a high-level logic flow diagram showing a method of presenting by a content delivery system selected narrative segments and cues to a media content consumer based at least in part on one or more prior interactions between the media content consumer and the narrative presentation, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 7B is a screen capture of an illustrative narrative segment that includes a media content consumer selectable icon or prompt indicative of an available narrative segment or additional or bonus content accessible to the media content consumer, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a high-level logic flow diagram showing a method of assessing by a content delivery system, one or more media content consumer conditions by identifying a defined point within the narrative presentation to perform an assessment, setting at least one condition to be assessed, and setting an action to be conditionally performed in response to the outcome of the assessment, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a screen capture of an illustrative content editing system CREATE MOVIE editing screen and open MAIN MOVIE tab that provides a production or editing team with the ability to select and sequentially link narrative segments to form a narrative presentation, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a screen capture of an illustrative content editing system CREATE MOVIE editing screen and open TRANSITIONS tab that provides a production or editing team with the ability to select a default transition style that will be used to transition between narrative segments in a narrative, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 10A is a screen capture of an illustrative content editing system editing screen and open VIDEO tab that provides a production or editing team with the ability to select narrative presentations for inclusion in the narrative, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 10B is a screen capture of an illustrative content editing system editing screen and open TRANSITIONS tab that provides a production or editing team with the ability to select and specify the parameters of individual transitions that will be used to transition between narrative segments in a narrative, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 10C is a screen capture of an illustrative content editing system editing screen and open CUE POINTS tab that provides a production or editing team with the ability to select and specify cue points and logical expressions that govern the appearance of prompts in narrative, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a screen capture of an illustrative content editing system editing screen and open PODOP tab that provides a production or editing team with the ability to select narrative presentations and/or subordinate narrative presentations for inclusion in the narrative, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 11B is a screen capture of an illustrative content editing system editing screen and open CUES tab that provides a production or editing team with the ability to select and specify the parameters of cues or prompts appearing in the narrative to indicate to the media content consumer the existence of an available narrative segment and/or additional or bonus content, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 11C is a screen capture of an illustrative content editing system editing screen and open CONDITIONS tab that provides a production or editing team with the ability to select and specify logical conditions and/or Boolean expressions governing the appearance in the narrative of cues or prompts indicating to the media content consumer the existence of an available narrative segment and/or additional or bonus content, according to one illustrated embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with processors, user interfaces, nontransitory storage media, media production, or media editing techniques have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. Additionally, tethered and wireless networking topologies, technologies, and communications protocols are not shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein the terms “production team” and “production or editing teams” should be understood to refer to a team including one or more persons responsible for any aspect of producing, generating, sourcing, or originating media content that includes any form of human perceptible communication including, without limitation, audio media presentations, visual media presentations, and audio/visual media presentations.

As used herein the terms “editing team” and “production or editing teams” should be understood to refer to a team including one or more persons responsible for any aspect of editing, altering, joining, or compiling media content that includes any form of human perceptible communication including, without limitation, audio media presentations, visual media presentations, and audio/visual media presentations. In at least some instances, one or more persons may be included in both the production team and the editing team.

As used herein the term “aspects of inner awareness” should be understood to refer to inner psychological and physiological processes and reflection on and awareness of inner mental and somatic life. Such awareness can include, but is not limited to the mental impressions of an individual's internal cognitive activities, emotional processes, or bodily sensations. Manifestations of various aspects of inner awareness may include, but are not limited to self-awareness or introspection. Generally, the aspects of inner awareness are intangible and often not directly externally visible but are instead inferred based upon a character's words, actions, and outwardly expressed emotions. Other terms related to aspects of inner awareness may include, but are not limited to, metacognition (the psychological process of thinking about thinking), emotional awareness (the psychological process of reflecting on emotion), and intuition (the psychological process of perceiving somatic sensations or other internal bodily signals that shape thinking). Understanding a character's aspects of inner awareness may provide enlightenment to a media content consumer on the underlying reasons why a character acted in a certain manner within a narrative presentation. Providing media content including aspects of a character's inner awareness enables production or editing teams to include additional material that expands the narrative presentation for media content consumers seeking a better understanding of the characters within the narrative presentation.

As used herein the term “media content consumer” should be understood to refer to one or more persons or individuals who consume or experience media content in whole or in part through the use of one or more of the human senses (i.e., seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling).

As used herein the terms “narrative” and “narrative presentation” should be understood to refer to a human perceptible presentation including audio presentations, video presentations, and audio-visual presentations. A narrative typically presents a story or other information in a format including at least two narrative segments having a distinct temporal order within a time sequence of events of the respective narrative. For example, a narrative may include at least one defined beginning or foundational narrative segment. A narrative also includes one additional narrative segment that falls temporally after the beginning or foundational narrative segment. In some implementations, the one additional narrative segment may include at least one defined ending narrative segment. A narrative may be of any duration.

As used herein the term “narrative segment” should be understood to refer to a human perceptible presentation including an audio presentation, a video presentation, and an audio-visual presentation. A narrative includes a plurality of narrative events, that have a sequential order within a timeframe of the narrative, extending from a beginning to an end of the narrative. The narrative may be composed of a plurality of narrative segments, for example a number of distinct scenes. At times, some or all of the narrative segments forming a narrative may be user selectable. At times some of the narrative segments forming a narrative may be fixed or selected by the narrative production or editing team. At times an availability of some of the narrative segments to a media content consumer may be conditional, for example subject to one or more conditions set by the narrative production or editing team. A narrative segment may have any duration, and each of the narrative segments forming a narrative may have the same or different durations. In most instances, a media content consumer will view a given narrative segment of a narrative in its entirety before another narrative segment of the narrative is subsequently presented to the media content consumer.

As used herein the term “additional or bonus content” should be understood to refer to a human perceptible presentation including audio presentation, a video presentation, and an audio-visual presentation, which may or may not be of narrative form, and which may or may not form part of a primary narrative. For example, additional or bonus content may explore the psychological makeup of a character in a narrative without actually forming part of the narrative, or may include comments by an author, director or recognized expert commenting on the same or on the creation of the narrative or meaning underlying the narrative. Within some narrative segments one or more cues may be presented to the media content consumer. Each of these cues is linked to an additional or bonus content that provides the media content consumer with additional information that is not included in the respective narrative segment. For example, such cues may be presented during a narrative segment to provide the media content consumer with access to an additional or bonus content dealing with an aspect of inner awareness of a narrative segment character (i.e., the character's thoughts, emotions, and/or instincts). When a media content consumer input corresponding to a selection of such a cue or prompt is received, the respective narrative segment is paused, suspended, or terminated while the additional or bonus content corresponding to the cue or prompt selected by the media content consumer is presented. At the conclusion or termination of the additional or bonus content, the presentation of the respective narrative segment resumes, returns, or restarts.

The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows an example network environment in which content creators 110, content editors 120, and content consumers 130 are able to create and edit raw content 114 to produce narrative segments 124 that can be assembled into narrative presentations 164, according to an illustrative embodiment. A content creator 110, for example a production team, generates raw (i.e., unedited) content 114 that is edited and assembled into at least one narrative 164 by an editing team. This raw content may be generated in analog format (e.g., film images, motion picture film images), digital format (e.g., digital audio recording, digital video recording, digitally rendered audio and/or video recordings, computer generated imagery [“CGI”]). Where at least a portion of the content is in analog format, one or more converter systems or processors convert the analog content to digital format. The production team, using one or more processor-based devices 112 a-112 n (collectively, “production processor-based devices 112”), communicates the content to one or more raw content storage systems 150 via the network 140.

An editing team, serving as content editors 120, accesses the raw content 114 and edits the raw content 114 via a number of processor-based editing systems 122 a-122 n (collectively “content editing systems 122”) into a number of narrative segments 124. These narrative segments 124 are assembled at the direction of the editing or production teams to form a collection of narrative segments and additional or bonus content that, when combined, provide a narrative 164. The narrative 164 can be delivered to one or more media content consumer processor-based devices 132 a-132 n (collectively, “media content consumer processor-based devices 132”) either as one or more digital files via network 140 or via a nontransitory storage media such as a compact disc (CD); digital versatile disk (DVD); or any other current or future developed nontransitory digital data carrier.

In some implementations, the media content consumers 130 may access the narrative presentations 164 via one or more media content consumer processor-based devices 132. These content consumer processor-based devices 132 can include, but are not limited to: televisions or similar image display units 132 a, tablet computing devices 132 b, smartphones and handheld computing devices 132 c, desktop computing devices 132 d, laptop and portable computing devices 132 e, and wearable computing devices 132 f. At times, a single media content consumer 130 may access a narrative 164 across multiple devices and/or platforms. For example, a media content consumer may non-contemporaneously access a narrative 164 using a plurality of content consumer processor-based devices 132. For example, a media content consumer 130 may consume a narrative 164 to a first point using a television 132 a in their living room and then may access the narrative presentation at the first point using their tablet computer 132 b or smartphone 132 c as they ride in a carpool to work.

At times, the narrative 164 may be stored in one or more nontransitory storage locations 162, for example coupled to a Web server 160 that provides a network accessible portal via network 140. In such an instance, the Web server 160 may stream the narrative 164 to the media content consumer processor-based device 132. For example, the narrative 164 may be presented to the media content consumer 130 on the device 132 used by the media content consumer 130 to access the portal on the Web server 160 upon the receipt, authentication, and authorization of log-in credentials identifying the respective media content consumer 130. Alternatively, the entire narrative 164, or portions thereof (e.g., narrative segments), may be retrieved on an as needed or as requested basis as discrete units (e.g., individual files), rather than streamed. Alternatively, the entire narrative 164, or portions thereof, may be cached or stored on the device 132, for instance before selection of specific narrative segments by the media content consumer 130. On some implementations, one or more content delivery networks (CDNs) may cache narratives at a variety of geographically distributed locations to increase a speed and/or quality of service in delivering the narrative content.

Note that the narrative segment features and relationships discussed with regard to FIGS. 1B-1E appear in different figures for clarity and ease of discussion. However, some or all of the narrative segment features and relationships included in FIGS. 1B-1E are combinable in any way or in any manner to provide additional embodiments. Such additional embodiments generated by combining narrative segment features and relationships fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, the media content consumer 130 receives narrative 164B as a series of narrative segments 124 a-124 m. Narrative segment 124 a represents the beginning or foundational narrative segment and narrative segment 124 m represents a temporally later narrative segment, and for example each are available to every media content consumer 130 accessing the narrative 164B and presented to every media content consumer 130 who elects to view such. By presenting the same beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a, each media content consumer 130 may for example, be introduced to an overarching common story and plotline. Optionally, the narrative 164 may have a single terminal or ending narrative segment 124 m (e.g., finale, season finale, narrative finale). Thus, at least some of the narrative segments 124 subsequent to the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a represent segments selectable by the media content consumer 130. It is the particular sequence of narrative segments 124 selected by the media content consumer that determines the details and sub-plots (within the context of the overall story and plotline of the narrative 164) experienced or perceived by the particular media content consumer 130.

In FIG. 1B, the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a includes two characters “CHAR A” and “CHAR B.” At the conclusion of narrative segment 124 a, the media content consumer 130 is presented with a prompt 126 a including icons representative of a subset of available narrative segments. The subset of narrative segments associated with prompt 126 a may, for example, include a first narrative segment that is associated with CHAR A and a second narrative segment that is associated with CHAR B. The media content consumer 130 selects an icon to continue the narrative presentation. If the media content consumer selects the icon representative of the first narrative segment that is associated with CHAR A at option 126 a, a narrative segment 124 b containing characters CHAR A and CHAR C is presented to the media content consumer 130. At the conclusion of narrative segment 124 b, the media content consumer is presented with a prompt 126 b requiring the selection of an icon representative of either CHAR A or CHAR C to continue the narrative presentation.

If instead, the media content consumer selects the icon representative of the second narrative segment that is associated with CHAR B at option 126 a, a narrative segment 124 c containing characters CHAR B and CHAR D is presented to the media content consumer 130.

As depicted in FIG. 1B, not every narrative segment 124 need include or conclude with a prompt 126 containing a plurality of icons, each of which corresponds to a respective media content consumer-selectable narrative segment 124. For example, if the media content consumer 130 selects CHAR C at prompt 126 b, the media content consumer 130 is presented narrative segment 124 e followed by the ending narrative segment 124 m. Additionally, each narrative segment 124 need not introduce new characters. For example, if the media content consumer 130 selects CHAR B at prompt 126 c, the media content consumer 130 is presented narrative segment 124 f which includes CHAR A (introduced in the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a) followed by terminal or ending narrative segment 124 m.

Additionally, recognize that dependent on the narrative segments 124 selected by the media content consumer 130, not every media content consumer 130 is necessarily presented the same number of narrative segments 124 or the same narrative segments. Notably, there is also a distinction between the number of narrative segments 124 presented to the media content consumer 130 and the duration of the narrative segments 124 presented to the media content consumer 130. For example, narrative segment 124 e may be 15 minutes in length while narrative segments 124 d, 124 h, and 124 i may each be 7.5 minutes in length. Thus, the selection of either CHAR A or CHAR C at prompt 126 b by the media content consumer 130 results in an additional 15 minutes of narrative 164B prior to the presentation of the ending narrative presentation 124 m even though a different number of narrative segments 124 are received by the media content consumer 130. Alternatively, the overall duration of the narrative 164B may vary dependent upon the number and/or length of each of the narrative segments 124 selected by the media content consumer 130.

Advantageously, while each media content consumer 130 receives the same overall storyline in the narrative 164, because media content consumers 130 are able to select different respective narrative segment “paths” though the narrative 164B, the media content consumers 130 will have different impressions, feelings, emotions, and experiences, at the conclusion of the narrative 164B.

At times, at the conclusion of the narrative 164B there may be at least some previously non-selected narrative segments 124 which the media content consumers 130 may not be permitted access, either permanently or without meeting some defined condition(s). Promoting an exchange of ideas, feelings, emotions, perceptions, and experiences of media content consumers 130 via social media 170 may beneficially increase interest in the respective narrative 164B, increasing the attendant attention or word-of-mouth promotion of the respective narrative 164B among media content consumers 130. Such attention is advantageously fosters the discussion and exchange of ideas between media content consumers 130 since different media content consumers take different narrative segment paths through the narrative 164B, and may otherwise be denied access to one or more narrative segments of a narrative which was not denied to other media content consumers. This may create the perception among media content consumers 130 that interaction and communication with other media content consumers 130 is beneficial in better or more fully understanding the respective narrative 164B. At least some of the approaches described herein provide media content consumers 130 with the ability to selectively view narrative segments 124 in an order either completely self-chosen, or self-chosen within a framework of order or choices and/or conditions defined by the production or editing teams. Allowing the production or editing teams to define a framework of order or choices and/or conditions maintains the artistic integrity of the narrative 164B while promoting discussion related to the narrative presentation (and the different narrative segment paths through the narrative presentation) among media content consumers 130. Social media and social networks such as FACEBOOK®, TWITTER®, SINA WEIBO, FOURSQUARE®, TUMBLR®, SNAPCHAT®, and/or VINE® facilitate such discussion among media content consumers 130.

In some implementations, media content consumers 130 may be rewarded or provided access to previously inaccessible non-selected narrative segments 124 contingent upon the performance of one or more defined activities. In some instances, such activities may include generating or producing one or more social media actions, for instance social media entries related to the narrative presentation (e.g., posting a comment about the narrative 164B to a social media “wall”, “liking”, or linking to the narrative, narrative segment, narrative character, author or director). Such selective unlocking of non-selected narrative segments may advantageously create additional attention around the respective narrative 164B as media content consumers 130 further exchange communications in order to access some or all of the non-selected narrative segments 124. At times, access to non-selected narrative segments 124 may granted contingent upon meeting one or more defined conditions associated with social media or social networks. For example, access to a non-selected narrative segment 124 may be conditional upon receiving a number of favorable votes (e.g., FACEBOOK® LIKES) for a comment associated with the narrative 164B. Other times, access to non-selected narrative segments 124 may granted contingent upon a previous viewing by the media content consumer, for instance having viewed a defined number of narrative segments, having viewed one or more particular narrative segments, having followed a particular path through the narrative. Additionally or alternative, access to non-selected narrative segments 124 may granted contingent upon sharing a narrative segment with another media content consumer or receiving a narrative segment or access thereto as shared by another media content consumer with the respective media content consumer.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, the media content consumer 130 receives narrative 164C as a series of narrative segments 124 a-124 x. As an example, the narrative 164C includes a beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a and an ending narrative segment 124 x that have a distinct temporal order within a time sequence of the respective narrative. By presenting the same beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a and the same ending narrative segment 124 x, each media content consumer 130 experiences an overarching commonality of story and plotline for narrative 164C. However, at least some of the narrative segments 124 between the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a and the ending narrative segment 124 x represent narrative segments selectable by the media content consumer 130. It is the particular series or sequence of narrative segments 124, and the order thereof, as selected by the media content consumer 130 that defines the details and sub-plots (within the context of the overall story and plotline of the narrative 164C) perceived or experienced by each respective media content consumer 130.

At the conclusion of the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a, the media content consumer is presented with a prompt 126 a to select either CHAR A or CHAR B. While a binary decision is illustrated, other implementations may present more than two choices, and the choices may or may not map to specific characters in the narrative. As in FIG. 1B, selection of CHAR A by the media content consumer results in the presentation of narrative segment 124 b and selection of CHAR B results in the presentation of narrative segment 124 d. However, prompt 126 a in FIG. 1C differs from prompt 126 a in FIG. 1B in that the failure of the media content consumer 130 to make a selection at prompt 126 a results in the presentation of a default narrative segment 124 c. Alternatively, in the absence of a selection, no further narrative segments may be presented.

At the conclusion of narrative segments 124 b, 124 c, and 124 d, the media content consumer 130 receives a respective prompt 126 b, 126 c, and 126 d. A failure of the media content consumer 130 to select a narrative segment icon upon receipt of prompts 126 b, 126 c, and 126 d results in the presentation of a default narrative segment 124 f. Alternatively, in the absence of a selection, no further narrative segments may be presented.

At times, each of a plurality of narrative segments 124 may conclude with a respective prompt 126 that includes icons for a number of common narrative segments 124. For example, in narrative 164C, narrative segment 124 e and 124 m conclude with respective prompts 126 e and 126 j that each include an icon for narrative segment 124 n.

At times, dependent on the prior selections made by the media content consumer 130, one or more icons may not appear in a prompt 126 at the conclusion of a respective narrative segment 124. At times, a prompt 126 may or may not be provided at the conclusion of a respective narrative segment 124 dependent upon prior selections made by the media content consumer 130. Thus, both the presentation of a prompt 126 and the icons included in a particular prompt 126 may be conditionally determined at least in part based upon one or more inputs previously provided by the media content consumer 130.

For example, in narrative 164C a media content consumer 130 who selects CHAR A at prompt 126 a receives narrative segment 124 b and prompt 126 b which includes icons for CHAR A and CHAR C. If no selection is made at prompt 126 b, default narrative presentation 124 f (“NARR 3”) is presented followed by default narrative presentation 124 p (“NARR 4”) without an intervening prompt. Conversely, should the media content consumer 130 select CHAR B at prompt 126 a that media content consumer will be provided narrative segment 124 d followed by prompt 126 d which includes icons for CHAR B and CHAR F. If no selection is made at prompt 126 d, default narrative presentation 124 f (“NARR 3”) is presented followed by prompt 126 i which includes icons for CHAR H and CHAR J. If no selection is made at prompt 126 i, default narrative presentation 124 p (“NARR 4”) is presented to the media content consumer. Thus, the narrative segment path selected by a particular media content consumer 130 can alter the choices or icons included in subsequent prompts 126 and can also result in the elimination of one or more subsequent prompts 126. Furthermore, once a particular narrative segment 124 has been presented to a particular media content consumer 130, the icon associated with the particular narrative segment 124 may be removed from all subsequent prompts 126 provided to the media content consumer.

As such, the each prompt 126 represents a dynamic, changeable, entity, the content of which (i.e., the narrative segment icons) can be situationally altered based at least in part on conditions or logic provided by the production or editing teams as well as the prior selections made by the media content consumer during the instant narrative segment 164. The prompts 126 thus advantageously provide the production or editing teams with full artistic control of the narrative segments 124 made available to the media content consumer 130. For example, the production or editing teams are able to prevent the premature presentation of one or more narrative segments 124 to the media content consumer 130 unless a storyline sufficient to support the content of the respective narrative segments 124 has occurred. The prompts 126 also advantageously provide the media content consumer 130 with the flexibility to navigate through the narrative 164 using a sequence of personally selected narrative segments 124, for example within a framework established by the creative team (e.g., production and/or editing teams).

Referring now to FIG. 1D, the media content consumer 130 receives narrative 164D as a series of narrative segments 124 a-124 q along with a number of additional or bonus content 128 a-128 c (collectively, “additional or bonus content 128”). Narrative 164D may, for example, include a beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a and an ending narrative segment 124 q that have a distinct temporal order within a time sequence of the respective narrative presentation. By presenting the same beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a and the same ending narrative segment 124 q, each media content consumer 130 experiences an overarching commonality of story and plotline for narrative 164D. However, at least some of the narrative segments 124 between the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a and the ending narrative segment 124 q represent narrative segments selectable by the media content consumer 130. Additionally, additional or bonus content 128 may be provided to the media content consumer 130 during the presentation of at least some of the narrative segments 124 in the narrative presentation 128. At times, these additional or bonus content 128 may be provided as optional narrative segments that the media content consumer 130 may discretionarily dismiss without affecting the presentation of the respective narrative segment 124 during which the respective additional or bonus content 128 is available. At times, these additional or bonus content 128 may be provided as required narrative segments that the media content consumer 130 may not dismiss and which must be viewed by the media content consumer 130 before the respective narrative segment 124 during which the respective additional or bonus content 128 is available is permitted to continue.

At times, such additional or bonus content 128 may provide the media content consumer 130 with additional insight into one or more aspects of inner awareness of a character appearing in the respective narrative segment 124 during which the respective additional or bonus content 128 is available. Such aspects of inner awareness may be useful in communicating one or more intangible aspects of the character to the media content consumer. For example, an icon or cue may appear proximate a character's head in a particular narrative segment 124. By selecting the icon or cue, an additional or bonus content associated with the character's thoughts is provided to the media content consumer 130. In another example, an icon or cue may appear proximate a character's chest in a particular narrative segment 124. By selecting the icon or cue, an additional or bonus content associated with the character's emotions (i.e., the character's heart) is provided to the media content consumer 130. In yet another example, an icon or cue may appear proximate a character's abdomen in a particular narrative segment 124. By selecting the icon or cue, an additional or bonus content associated with the character's intuition (i.e., “gut” feel) is provided to the media content consumer 130. These additional or bonus content 128 thus provide additional information, insight, or perspective that may not be readily communicable, apparent, or discernable to the media content consumer 130 via the respective narrative segment 124.

In some instances, one or more prompts 126 may be provided to permit a media content consumer 130 to select between a number of additional or bonus content 128. As shown in narrative 164D, during the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a, an icon or cue appears in the narrative segment 124 a alerting the media content consumer 130 to the presence of an additional or bonus content 128. In some instances, two or more such icons or cues may appear in the narrative segment 124 and the icon or cue selected by the media content consumer 130 identifies the respective additional or bonus content 128 presented to the media content consumer 130. In other instances, a single icon or cue may appear in the narrative segment 124, selecting the icon or cue presents the media content consumer with a prompt 126 a that includes a number of icons, each corresponding to an additional or bonus content 128 a, 128 b.

At times, the icon or cue corresponding to one or more available additional or bonus content 128 may appear throughout the narrative segment 124. At other times, the icon or cue corresponding to one or more available additional or bonus content 128 may appear for only a portion of the narrative segment 124.

In contrast to the prompt 126 which occurs at the conclusion of a narrative segment 124, the icon or cue associated with an additional or bonus content 128 may appear in the narrative segment 124 at a point or for an interval prior to the conclusion of the respective narrative segment 124. A departure point is the point in the narrative segment 124 at which the media content consumer selects an icon or cue to commence the presentation of an additional or bonus content 128. A return point is the point at which the respective narrative segment 124 resumes at the conclusion of the selected additional or bonus content 128. At times, the narrative segment 124 pauses during the presentation of the supplemental narrative segment, in such instances the return point is the same temporal location in the narrative segment 124 as the departure point (i.e., the narrative segment 124 resumes where it left off to present the additional or bonus content 128). At other times, the return point may be at a different temporal location in the narrative segment 124 as the departure point. For example, the return point may be at a temporal location prior or subsequent to the departure point. In yet other times, the return point may be the start of the respective narrative segment 124. At the conclusion of the additional or bonus content 128 a, 128 b, beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a commences at the return point 184 a. At the conclusion of the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a, a prompt 126 b presents icons for CHAR D which causes the presentation of narrative segment 124 b and CHAR E which causes the presentation of narrative segment 124 d. If no choice is provided in response to prompt 126 b, default narrative segment 124 c is presented.

An icon or cue is displayed during the presentation of narrative segment 124 b. If the icon or cue is selected by the media content consumer, additional or bonus content 128 c is presented. Additional or bonus content 128 c may present one or more aspects of inner awareness associated with a character appearing in narrative segment 124 b. The additional or bonus content 128 c departs narrative segment 124 b at departure point 182 b. At the conclusion of the subordinate narrative presentation 128 c, narrative segment 124 c resumes at return point 184 b.

Referring now to FIG. 1E, the media content consumer 130 receives narrative 164E as a series of narrative segments 124 a-124 k. Narrative 164E, for example, includes a beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a and an ending narrative segment 124 k that have a distinct temporal order within a time sequence of narrative 164E. By presenting the same beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a and the same ending narrative segment 124 k, each media content consumer 130 experiences an overarching commonality of story and plotline for narrative 164E. However, at least some of the narrative segments 124 between the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a and the ending narrative segment 124 k represent narrative segments selectable by the media content consumer 130. It is the particular series or sequence of narrative segments 124 selected by the media content consumer 130 that defines the details and sub-plots (within the context of the overall story and plotline of the narrative 164E) experienced by each respective media content consumer 130.

At the conclusion of the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a, the media content consumer is presented with a prompt 126 a to that includes icons corresponding to CHAR A, CHAR B, CHAR C, and CHAR D. Selection of an icon corresponding to CHAR A at prompt 126 a by the media content consumer results in the presentation of narrative segment 124 b. Selection of an icon corresponding to CHAR B at prompt 126 a results in the presentation of narrative segment 124 c. Selection of Selection of an icon corresponding to CHAR C at prompt 126 a results in the presentation of narrative segment 124 e. Selection of an icon corresponding to CHAR D at prompt 126 a results in the presentation of narrative segment 124 f. Note that prompt 126 a can provide icons corresponding to any number of narrative segments 124 increasing the artistic and storytelling capabilities of the production or editing teams. If the media content consumer 130 fails to make a selection at prompt 126 a within a defined time limit or before the occurrence of a defined event, a default narrative segment 124 d is presented. Alternatively, the narrative may remain stopped until a selection is made.

At the conclusion of any of narrative segments 124 b-124 f, narrative segment 124 g is presented to the media content consumer 130. At the conclusion of narrative segment 124 g, the media content consumer 130 is presented with a prompt 126 b to select either CHAR A, CHAR C, or CHAR D. Selection of CHAR A by the media content consumer results in the presentation of narrative segment 124 h. Selection of an icon corresponding to CHAR C at prompt 126 b results in the presentation of narrative segment 124 i. Selection of an icon corresponding to CHAR D results in the presentation of narrative segment 124 f. Note that an icon corresponding to CHAR B is not provided at prompt 126 b. At times, narrative segments corresponding to all characters may or may not be available over the course of the narrative 164E.

Advantageously, the icons appearing on each prompt 126 may be dynamically selected based on rules or conditions provided by the production or editing teams. Such rules or conditions may include providing icons on a particular prompt 126 based at least in part on actions (e.g., previous icon selections) provided by the media content consumer 130. For example, if protagonist ALPHA interacts with a minor character BETA as part of a secondary storyline, the production and editing team may make the inclusion of BETA icons in prompt 126 contingent upon the media content consumer selecting the BETA icon on the prompt 126 on which the icon first appears. In other words, the media content consumer's failure to select the BETA icon when first included on prompt 126 a precludes the provision of the BETA icon in all subsequent prompts 126 b-126 n. One can readily appreciate the flexibility available to the production or editing teams in creating more complex conditional requirements that govern the inclusion of icons on prompts 126.

Each media content consumer 130 will consume a narrative 164 by following at least one of a number of sequences of narrative segments 124 a-124 n from the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a to the ending narrative segment 124 n. Dependent on the narrative segment selections of the media content consumer and the number of narrative segments, type of narrative segments, and conditional rules on accessing narrative segments made by the production or editing team, tens or even hundreds of possible narrative sequences may exist within a single narrative 164. Once a media content consumer 130 has completed the narrative 164, the production or editing team may elect to make the non-selected narrative segments 124 at least temporarily, if not permanently, inaccessible to the respective media content consumer 130.

Access to some or all of the inaccessible, non-selected, narrative segments 124 may be provided based on the media content consumer completing one or more actions or activities external to the narrative 164. Such external actions may include posting a review, synopsis, or impression of the narrative segment sequence selected by a respective media content consumer on a Website 170 such as a social media Website or a review Website such as ROTTENTOMATOES.COM. Such external actions may include interacting with other media content consumers 130 who accessed the respective narrative 164 using the same or different sequences of narrative segments. Such interactions between media content consumers 130 may occur in a forum provided by the producer or distributor of the narrative 164. Such interactions between media content consumers 130 may occur in one or more third party forums operated by an entity other than a producer or distributor of the narrative 164, for example FACEBOOK®. Such interactions between media content consumers 130 may sharing paths through the narrative (e.g., in graphical form) that the media content consumers 130 each took. In some instances, interactions between media content consumers 130 may include sharing of specific narrative segments by at least a first media content consumer with at least a second media content consumer, which shared narrative segment would otherwise be unavailable to the second media content consumer 130 due to the path that the second media content consumer took through the narrative. In some instances, a mutual sharing between the first and the second media content consumers may be required as the condition.

The ability to “personalize” the narrative presentation by the media content consumer 130 and the promise of gaining access to additional narrative segments 124 that were not initially selected by a media content consumer, and/or access to pieces of bonus content, beneficially creates interaction and excitement between media content consumers 130 as they seek to gain a deeper appreciation or understanding of the narrative 164.

FIG. 2 and the following discussion provide a brief, general description of a suitable networked content editing system environment 200 in which the various illustrated embodiments may be implemented. Although not required, the embodiments will be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program application modules, objects, or macros stored on computer- or processor-readable media and executed by a computer or processor. Those skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate that the illustrated embodiments, as well as other embodiments, can be practiced with other processor-based system configurations and/or other processor-based computing system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, personal computers (“PCs”), networked PCs, mini computers, mainframe computers, and the like. The embodiments can be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks or modules are performed by remote processing devices, which are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices or media.

FIG. 2 shows a networked content editing system environment 200 in which one or more content creators 110 provide raw content 114 in the form of unedited narrative segments to one or more content editing systems 120. The content editing system 120 refines the raw content 114 provided by the one or more content creators 110 into a number of finished narrative segments 124 and logically assembles the finished narrative segments 124 into a narrative 164. A production team, an editing team, or a combined production and editing team are responsible for refining and assembling the finished narrative segments 124 into a narrative 164 in a manner that maintains the artistic integrity of the narrative segment sequences included in the narrative 164. The narrative 164 is provided to media content consumer processor-based devices 132 either as a digital stream via network 140, a digital download via network 140, or stored on one or more non-volatile storage devices such as a compact disc, digital versatile disk, thumb drive, or similar.

At times, the narrative 164 may be delivered to the media content consumer processor-based device 132 directly from one or more content editing systems 120. At other times, the one or more content editing systems 120 transfers the narrative 164 to a Web portal that provides media content consumers 130 with access to the narrative 164 and may also include one or more payment systems, one or more accounting systems, one or more security systems, and one or more encryption systems. Such Web portals may be operated by the producer or distributor of the narrative 164 and/or by third parties such as AMAZON® or NETFLIX®.

The content editing system 120 includes one or more processor-based editing devices 122 (only one illustrated) and one or more communicably coupled nontransitory computer- or processor readable storage medium 204 (only one illustrated) for storing and editing raw narrative segments 114 received from the content creators 110 into finished narrative segments 124 that are assembled into the narrative 164. The associated nontransitory computer- or processor readable storage medium 204 is communicatively coupled to the one or more processor-based editing devices 120 via one or more communications channels. The one or more communications channels may include one or more tethers such as parallel cables, serial cables, universal serial bus (“USB”) cables, THUNDERBOLT® cables, or one or more wireless channels capable of digital data transfer, for instance near field communications (“NFC”), FIREWIRE®, or BLUETOOTH®.

The networked content editing system environment 200 also comprises one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 (only one illustrated) and one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 (only one illustrated). The one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 are communicatively coupled to the content editing system processor-based device 122 by one or more communications channels, for example one or more wide area networks (WANs) 140. In some implementations, the one or more WANs may include one or more worldwide networks, for example the Internet, and communications between devices may be performed using standard communication protocols, such as one or more Internet protocols. In operation, the one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 function as either a server for other computer systems or processor-based devices associated with a respective entity or themselves function as computer systems. In operation, the content editing system processor-based device 122 may function as a server with respect to the one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and/or the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132.

The networked content editing system environment 200 may employ other computer systems and network equipment, for example additional servers, proxy servers, firewalls, routers and/or bridges. The content editing system processor-based device 122 will at times be referred to in the singular herein, but this is not intended to limit the embodiments to a single device since in typical embodiments there may be more than one content editing system processor-based device 122 involved. Unless described otherwise, the construction and operation of the various blocks shown in FIG. 2 are of conventional design. As a result, such blocks need not be described in further detail herein, as they will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art.

The content editing system processor-based device 122 may include one or more processing units 212 capable of executing processor-readable instruction sets to provide a dedicated content editing system, a system memory 214 and a system bus 216 that couples various system components including the system memory 214 to the processing units 212. The processing units 212 include any logic processing unit capable of executing processor- or machine-readable instruction sets or logic. The processing units 212 maybe in the form of one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), reduced instruction set computers (RISCs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), logic circuits, systems on a chip (SoCs), etc. The system bus 216 can employ any known bus structures or architectures, including a memory bus with memory controller, a peripheral bus, and/or a local bus. The system memory 214 includes read-only memory (“ROM”) 218 and random access memory (“RAM”) 220. A basic input/output system (“BIOS”) 222, which can form part of the ROM 218, contains basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the content editing system processor-based device 122, such as during start-up.

The content editing system processor-based device 122 may include one or more nontransitory data storage devices. Such nontransitory data storage devices may include one or more hard disk drives 224 for reading from and writing to a hard disk 226, one or more optical disk drives 228 for reading from and writing to removable optical disks 232, and/or one or more magnetic disk drives 230 for reading from and writing to magnetic disks 234. Such nontransitory data storage devices may additionally or alternatively include one or more electrostatic (e.g., solid-state drive or SSD), electroresistive (e.g., memristor), or molecular (e.g., atomic spin) storage devices.

The optical disk drive 228 may include a compact disc drive and/or a digital versatile disk (DVD) configured to read data from a compact disc 232 or DVD 232. The magnetic disk 234 can be a magnetic floppy disk or diskette. The hard disk drive 224, optical disk drive 228 and magnetic disk drive 230 may communicate with the processing units 212 via the system bus 216. The hard disk drive 224, optical disk drive 228 and magnetic disk drive 230 may include interfaces or controllers (not shown) coupled between such drives and the system bus 216, as is known by those skilled in the relevant art. The drives 224, 228 and 230, and their associated computer-readable media 226, 232, 234, provide nonvolatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the content editing system processor-based device 122. Although the depicted content editing system processor-based device 122 is illustrated employing a hard disk 224, optical disk 228, and magnetic disk 230, other types of computer-readable media that can store data accessible by a computer may be employed, such as WORM drives, RAID drives, flash memory cards, RAMs, ROMs, smart cards, etc.

Program modules used in editing and assembling the raw narrative segments 114 provided by content creators 110 are stored in the system memory 214. These program modules include modules such as an operating system 236, one or more application programs 238, other programs or modules 240 and program data 242.

Application programs 238 may include logic, processor-executable, or machine executable instruction sets that cause the processor(s) 212 to automatically receive raw narrative segments 114 and communicate finished narrative presentations 164 to a Webserver functioning as a portal or storefront where media content consumers 130 are able to digitally access and acquire the narrative presentations 164. Any current (e.g., CSS, HTML, XML) or future developed communications protocol may be used to communicate either or both the raw narrative segments 114, finished narrative segments 124, and narrative presentations 164 to and from local and/or remote nontransitory storage 152 as well as to communicate narrative presentations 164 to the Webserver.

Application programs 238 may include any current or future logic, processor-executable instruction sets, or machine-executable instruction sets that facilitate the editing, alteration, or adjustment of one or more human-sensible aspects (sound, appearance, feel, taste, smell, etc.) of the raw narrative segments 114 into finished narrative segments 124 by the editing team or the production and editing teams.

Application programs 238 may include any current or future logic, processor-executable instruction sets, or machine-executable instruction sets that facilitate the assembly of finished narrative segments 124 into a narrative 164. Such may include, for example, a narrative assembly editor (e.g., a “Movie Creator”) that permits the assembly of finished narrative segments 124 into a narrative 164 at the direction of the editing team or the production and editing teams. Such may include instructions that facilitate the creation of prompts 126 that appear either during the pendency of or at the conclusion of narrative segments 124. Such may include instructions that facilitate the selection of presentation formats (e.g., split screen, tiles, or lists, among others) for the prompts 126 that appear either during the pendency of or at the conclusion of narrative segments 124. Such may include instructions that facilitate the creation of logical or Boolean expressions or conditions that autonomously and/or dynamically create or select icons for inclusion in the prompts 126 that appear either during the pendency of or at the conclusion of narrative segments 124. At times, such logical or Boolean expressions or conditions may be based in whole or in part on inputs representative of actions or selections taken by media content consumers 130 prior to or during the presentation of the narrative 164.

Such application programs may include any current or future logic, processor-executable instruction sets, or machine-executable instruction sets that provide for the establishment of departure and return points within a narrative segment 124 when a prompt 126 is provided to the media content consumer during rather than at the conclusion of the respective narrative segment 124. Such application programs may include instructions that facilitate the creation of logical or Boolean expressions or conditions that autonomously and/or dynamically select icons and create prompts 126 that appear during a particular narrative segment 124.

Such application programs may include any current or future logic, processor-executable instruction sets, or machine-executable instruction sets that facilitate providing media content consumers 130 with access to non-selected narrative segments 124. Such may include logic or Boolean expressions or conditions that include data representative of the interaction of the respective media content consumer 130 with one or more third parties, one or more narrative-related Websites, and/or one or more third party Websites. Such instructions may, for example, collect data indicative of posts made by a media content consumer 130 on one or more social networking Websites as a way to encouraging online discourse between media content consumers 130 regarding the narrative 164.

Such application programs may include any current or future logic, processor-executable instruction sets, or machine-executable instruction sets that facilitate the collection and generation of analytics or analytical measures related to the sequences of narrative segments 124 selected by media content consumers 130. Such may be useful for identifying a “most popular” narrative segment sequence, a “least viewed” narrative segment sequence, a “most popular” narrative segment 124, a “least popular” narrative segment, a time spent viewing a narrative segment 124 or the narrative 164, etc.

Such application programs may include any current or future logic, processor-executable instruction sets, or machine-executable instruction sets that facilitate the generation and insertion of cues or icons indicative of the availability of additional or bonus content 128 at defined temporal points or intervals and at defined physical locations within narrative segments 124. Such application programs may include instructions that facilitate the creation of logical or Boolean expressions or conditions that autonomously and/or dynamically create cues or icons indicative of an additional or bonus content 128 that appear during a particular narrative segment 124. At times, such logical or Boolean expressions or conditions may be include inputs representative of actions or selections taken by media content consumers 130 prior to or during the presentation of the respective narrative segment 124 in which the cue or icon appears. At times, such logical or Boolean expressions or conditions may be include inputs representative of actions or selections taken by media content consumers 130 prior to or during the presentation of the narrative 164 and/or the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a.

Other program modules 240 may include instructions for handling security such as password or other access protection and communications encryption. The system memory 214 may also include communications programs, for example a server that causes the content editing system processor-based device 122 to serve electronic or digital documents or files via corporate intranets, extranets, or other networks as described below. Such servers may be markup language based, such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML) or Wireless Markup Language (WML), and operate with markup languages that use syntactically delimited characters added to the data of a document to represent the structure of the document. A number of suitable severs may be commercially available such as those from MOZILLA®, GOOGLE®, MICROSOFT®, and APPLE COMPUTER®.

While shown in FIG. 2 as being stored in the system memory 214, the operating system 236, application programs 238, other programs/modules 240, program data 242 and browser 244 may be stored locally, for example on the hard disk 226, optical disk 232 and/or magnetic disk 234. At times, other programs/modules 240, program data 242 and browser 244 may be stored remotely, for example on one or more remote file servers communicably coupled to the content editing system processor-based device 122 via one or more networks such as the Internet.

A production team or editing team member enters commands and data into the content editing system processor-based device 122 using one or more input devices such as a touch screen or keyboard 246 and/or a pointing device such as a mouse 248, and/or via a graphical user interface (“GUI”). Other input devices can include a microphone, joystick, game pad, tablet, scanner, etc. These and other input devices are connected to one or more of the processing units 212 through an interface 250 such as a serial port interface that couples to the system bus 216, although other interfaces such as a parallel port, a game port or a wireless interface or a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) can be used. A monitor 252 or other display device couples to the system bus 216 via a video interface 254, such as a video adapter. The content editing system processor-based device 122 can include other output devices, such as speakers, printers, etc.

The content editing system processor-based device 122 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers and/or devices. For example, the content editing system processor-based device 122 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and, at times, one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132. Communications may be via tethered and/or wireless network architecture, for instance combinations of tethered and wireless enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, extranets, and/or the Internet. Other embodiments may include other types of communications networks including telecommunications networks, cellular networks, paging networks, and other mobile networks. There may be any variety of computers, switching devices, routers, bridges, firewalls and other devices in the communications paths between the content editing system processor-based device 122 and the one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132.

The one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 will typically take the form of processor-based devices, for instance personal computers (e.g., desktop or laptop computers), netbook computers, tablet computers and/or smartphones and the like, executing appropriate instructions. At times, the one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 may include still or motion picture cameras or other devices capable of acquiring data representative of human-sensible data (data indicative of sound, sight, smell, taste, or feel) that are capable of directly communicating data to the content editing system processor-based device 122 via network 140. At times, some or all of the one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 may communicably couple to one or more server computers. For instance, the one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 may communicably couple via one or more remote Webservers that include a data security firewall. The server computers may execute a set of server instructions to function as a server for a number of content creator processor-based device(s) 112 (i.e., clients) communicatively coupled via a LAN at a facility or site. The one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 may execute a set of client instructions and consequently function as a client of the server computer(s), which are communicatively coupled via a WAN.

The one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 may each include one or more processing units 268 a, 268 b (collectively “processing units 268”), system memories 269 a, 269 b (collectively, “system memories 269”) and a system bus (not shown) that couples various system components including the system memories 269 to the respective processing units 268. The one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 will at times each be referred to in the singular herein, but this is not intended to limit the embodiments to a single content creator processor-based device 112 and/or a single media content consumer processor-based device 132. In typical embodiments, there may be more than one content creator processor-based device 112 and there will likely be a large number of media content consumer processor-based devices 132. Additionally, one or more intervening data storage devices, portals, and/or storefronts not shown in FIG. 2 may be present between the content editing system processor-based device 122 and at least some of the media content consumer processor-based devices 132.

The processing units 268 may be any logic processing unit, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, reduced instruction set computers (RISCs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. Non-limiting examples of commercially available computer systems include, but are not limited to, an i3, i5, and i7 series microprocessors available from Intel Corporation, U.S.A., a Sparc microprocessor from Sun Microsystems, Inc., a PA-RISC series microprocessor from Hewlett-Packard Company, an A4, A6, or A8 series microprocessor available from Apple Computer, or a Snapdragon processor available from Qualcomm Corporation. Unless described otherwise, the construction and operation of the various blocks of the one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 are of conventional design. As a result, such blocks need not be described in further detail herein, as they will be understood by those skilled in the relevant arts.

The system bus can employ any known bus structures or architectures, including a memory bus with memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus. The system memory 269 includes read-only memory (“ROM”) 270 a, 270 b (collectively 270) and random access memory (“RAM”) 272 a, 272 b (collectively 272). A basic input/output system (“BIOS”) 271 a, 271 b (collectively 271), which can form part of the ROM 270, contains basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132, such as during start-up.

The one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 may also include one or more media drives 273 a, 273 b (collectively 273), e.g., a hard disk drive, magnetic disk drive, WORM drive, and/or optical disk drive, for reading from and writing to computer-readable storage media 274 a, 274 b (collectively 274), e.g., hard disk, optical disks, and/or magnetic disks. The computer-readable storage media 274 may, for example, take the form of removable non-transitory storage media. For example, hard disks may take the form of a Winchester drives, and optical disks can take the form of CD-ROMs, while electrostatic nontransitory storage media may take the form of removable USB thumb drives. The media drive(s) 273 communicate with the processing units 268 via one or more system buses. The media drives 273 may include interfaces or controllers (not shown) coupled between such drives and the system bus, as is known by those skilled in the relevant art. The media drives 273, and their associated computer-readable storage media 274, provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the one or more content creator processor-based devices 112 and/or the one or more media content consumer processor-based devices 132. Although described as employing computer-readable storage media 274 such as hard disks, optical disks and magnetic disks, those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and/or one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 may employ other types of computer-readable storage media that can store data accessible by a computer, such as flash memory cards, digital video disks (“DVD”), RAMs, ROMs, smart cards, etc. Data or information, for example, electronic or digital documents or files or data (e.g., metadata, ownership, authorizations) related to such can be stored in the computer-readable storage media 274.

Program modules, such as an operating system, one or more application programs, other programs or modules and program data, can be stored in the system memory 269. Program modules may include instructions for accessing a Website, extranet site or other site or services (e.g., Web services) and associated Web pages, other pages, screens or services hosted by the content delivery system 120.

Program modules stored in the system memory of the one or more content creator processor-based devices 112 include any current or future logic, processor-executable instruction sets, or machine-executable instruction sets that facilitate the collection and/or communication of data representative of raw narrative segments 114 to the content editing system processor-based device 122. Such application programs may include instructions that facilitate the compression and/or encryption of data representative of raw narrative segments 114 prior to communicating the data representative of the raw narrative segments 114 to the content editing system processor-based device 122.

Program modules stored in the system memory of the one or more content creator processor-based devices 112 include any current or future logic, processor-executable instruction sets, or machine-executable instruction sets that facilitate the editing of data representative of raw narrative segments 114. For example, such application programs may include instructions that facilitate the partitioning of a longer narrative segment 124 into a number of shorter duration narrative segments 124 a-124 n.

Program modules stored in the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 include any current or future logic, processor-executable instruction sets, or machine-executable instruction sets that facilitate the presentation of the narrative 164 to the media content consumer 130.

The system memory 269 may also include other communications programs, for example a Web client or browser that permits the one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 to access and exchange data with sources such as Web sites of the Internet, corporate intranets, extranets, or other networks. The browser may, for example be markup language based, such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML) or Wireless Markup Language (WML), and may operate with markup languages that use syntactically delimited characters added to the data of a document to represent the structure of the document.

While described as being stored in the system memory 269, the operating system, application programs, other programs/modules, program data and/or browser can be stored on the computer-readable storage media 274 of the media drive(s) 273. A content creator 110 and/or media content consumer 130 enters commands and information into the one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132, respectively, via a user interface 275 a, 275 b (collectively “user interface 275”) through input devices such as a touch screen or keyboard 276 a, 276 b (collectively “input devices 276”) and/or a pointing device 277 a, 277 b (collectively “pointing devices 277”) such as a mouse. Other input devices can include a microphone, joystick, game pad, tablet, scanner, etc. These and other input devices are connected to the processing unit 269 through an interface such as a serial port interface that couples to the system bus, although other interfaces such as a parallel port, a game port or a wireless interface or a universal serial bus (“USB”) can be used. A display or monitor 278 a, 278 b (collectively 278) may be coupled to the system bus via a video interface, such as a video adapter. The one or more content creator processor-based device(s) 112 and the one or more media content consumer processor-based device(s) 132 can include other output devices, such as speakers, printers, etc.

FIG. 3A shows a high-level method 300 of presenting, via one or more content delivery platforms, a narrative 164 that includes a number of media content consumer selectable narrative segments 124 to a media content consumer 130, according to one or more embodiments. A narrative 164 may comprise a number of narrative segments 124 presented to the media content consumer 130 in an order that may or may not be predetermined, but is based at least in part on narrative segments 124 previously selected by the respective media content consumer 124.

The content delivery system presents the media content consumer 130 with such prompts 126 at various defined points during the narrative 164 selected by the production and/or editing teams. For example, such prompts 126 may appear during the pendency of, or more typically at the conclusion of, at least some of the narrative segments 124. Such prompts include a number of icons (e.g., two or more) each representative of a respective one of a plurality of narrative segments 124 available or accessible to the particular media content consumer 130 at that particular time or point in the narrative 164. Upon receipt of a selection input representative of one of the icons included in a prompt screen 126 from the media content consumer 130, the selected narrative segment 124 is provided by the content delivery system to the media content consumer 130.

FIG. 3B shows a screen capture of an illustrative prompt 126. The prompt shown in FIG. 3B includes two prompts 322 a, 322 b (collectively “prompts 322”). The prompts 322 include a first prompt 322 a labeled “MR. HUSTON” and a second prompt 324 labeled “MRS. HUSTON.” In FIG. 3B, a diagonal separator 326 separates the first prompt 322 a from the second prompt 322 b. Although FIG. 3B shows only two prompts 322 a, 322 b, any number of prompts 322 a-322 n may be included in a single prompt 126. For example, three, four, five or even more prompts 322 may be included in a single prompt 126. The number of prompts 322 and the number, type, and style of separator 326 is selectable by the production team or the editing team via the content editing system processor-based device 122. As described herein, the method 300 of providing a narrative 164 that includes a number of media content consumer selectable narrative segments 124 is provided with references to the illustrative screen capture in FIG. 3B.

The method 300 of providing a narrative 164 that includes a number of media content consumer selectable narrative segments 124 commences at 302. At 303 a counter i is set to an initial value (e.g., 0).

At 304, a portion (e.g., an initial narrative segment) of a narrative 164 is presented to the media content consumer 130. In some instances, the narrative 164 may be provided as streaming data or streaming media originating from one or more remote Webservers 160. In some instances, the narrative 164 may be downloaded to the media content consumer processor-based device 132 for later playback or presentation by the media content consumer 130. In other instances, the narrative 164 may be read from one or more nontransitory storage media devices (e.g., DVD) using an appropriate media reader that is communicably coupled to the media content consumer processor-based device 132. Typically, the narrative 164 will commence with a beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a to provide each media content consumer 130 with a common setting for the ultimate storyline or plotline created by subsequent user-selected narrative segments 124. At times, the narrative 164 may conclude with an ending narrative segment 124 n to provide each media content consumer 130 with a common ending regardless of the storyline or plotline followed by the user-selected narrative segments 124. At times, the narrative 164 may conclude with one of a number of ending narrative segments 124 n selected at least in part based on the user-selected narrative segments 124.

After presentation of the initial narrative segment 124 a, an iterative loop starts, where the counter i is incremented (e.g., i=i+1) at 305.

At 306, a prompt is provided that permits the media content consumer 130 to select one of a number of narrative segments 124. Each of the icons 322 included in the prompt 126 corresponds to a single narrative segment 124 included in an i^(th) subset of narrative segments 124 selected by the production team or the editing team.

At 308, a processor-based component receives an input by the media content consumer 130 that is indicative of a selection of one of the icons 322 included in the prompt 126 (e.g., by selecting the icon 322 using a pointing device such as a mouse or by selecting the icons 322 directly via a touchscreen interface). The received input includes data indicative of the selected icon 322.

At 310, a processor-based component presents the selected narrative segment 124 to the media content consumer 130. Using FIG. 3B as an illustrative example, if a media content consumer input indicative of the icon 322 a labeled “MR. HUSTON” is received, the narrative segment logically associated with icon 322 a is presented to the media content consumer 130. Similarly, if a media content consumer input indicative of the icon 322 b labeled “MRS. HUSTON” is received, the narrative segment logically associated with icon 322 b is presented to the media content consumer 130.

At 312, each successive subset of narrative segments is refined to remove the narrative segment provided in 310. Removing the narrative segment 124 presented at 310 prevents the duplicate presentation of the same narrative segment 124 to the media content consumer 130.

At 314, it is determined whether the final iteration has been reached. For example, it may be determined whether all narrative segments for the narrative have been presented to the media content consumer 130, or whether a path followed by the media content consumer 130 has reached a termination condition (e.g., end point, maximum allowed length). If the final iteration has not been reached, control returns to 305 where the counter i is further incremented, and acts 306 to 312 are repeated for each of the “N” identified subsets of narrative segments 124. Otherwise, the method 300 terminates at 316.

FIG. 4 shows a high-level method 400 of generating information, in the form of a narrative path graph, that maps a media content consumer's sequence through a plurality of narrative segments 124 of a respective narrative 164, according to one or more embodiments. Recall throughout narrative 164, the media content consumer 130 encounters a number of prompts 126 which include offers of access to one of at least two, and perhaps several more, narrative segments 124 or additional content. Thus, based on the selections, each media content consumer 130 follows a sequence of narrative segments 124 extending from the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a to, for example an ending narrative segment 124 n. The narrative path graph provides a map of progress through the narrative presentation.

The method 400 of generating a narrative path graph that maps a media content consumer's sequence of narrative segments 124 through a respective narrative 164 commences at 402.

At 404, a content delivery platform receives selections indicative of narrative segments 124 of a narrative 164 in an order selected by the media content consumer 130. Typically, the media content consumer 130 provides these selections in the form of an input indicative of an icon 322 logically associated with a particular narrative segment 124 by the content delivery platform. Such icons 322 may appear in a prompt 126 presented to the media content consumer 130 during, at the beginning, or at the conclusion of one or more narrative segments 124.

At 406, the content delivery platform generates a narrative path graph of a particular media content consumer's progression through the narrative 164. The narrative path graph provides in graphical form at least a sequence of narrative segments 124 followed by a particular media content consumer 130. In some implementations, the narrative path graph may be in the form of a number of nodes, each representing a narrative segment 124 included in the narrative 164 and a number of edges that connect the narrative segments 124, the edges representing an ordered path that the media content consumer 130 took through the narrative. The narrative path graph may omit any narrative segments not actually presented to the media content consumer 130 and may likewise omit any available paths not actually take by the media content consumer 130 in traversing the narrative.

The narrative path graph may be presented to the media content consumer 130. Additionally or alternatively, the narrative path graph may be analyzed. For example, various metrics about the media content consumer 130 can be derived from their path through one or more narratives. Also for example, the narrative paths of one media content consumer 130 can be compared to the respective narrative paths of other media content consumers, identifying similarities, differences, and or those who have complementary narrative paths. Such may be performed using the narrative path graphs, or other representations of the narrative paths (e.g., look up table, tree structure, relational database).

At times, the narrative path graph may be provided to the media content consumer 130 and/or analyzed prior to the conclusion of the presentation of the narrative 164 to the media content consumer 130 (e.g., upon receipt of an input indicative of a request by the media content consumer to examine the narrative path graph). At other times, this narrative path graph may only be provided to the media content consumer 130 and/or analyzed at the conclusion of the presentation of the narrative 164 to the media content consumer 130.

FIG. 4B shows a screen capture of an illustrative narrative path graph 420. The beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a appears on the left side of graph 420 and the ending narrative segment 124 n appears on the right side of graph 420. Each of the narrative segments 124 included in the narrative 164 are shown as nodes 422 a-422 h (collectively “nodes 422”). The narrative segments selected by the media content consumer 130 are shown as edges 424 a-424 f (collectively, “edges 424”).

In FIG. 4B, the media content consumer 130 selected the narrative segment associated with node 422 a after the beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a as evidenced by edge 424 a. Subsequent narrative segments viewed by the media content consumer include (in order) those narrative segments 124 associated with nodes 422 b, 422 g, 422 d, and 422 e as evidenced by edges 424 b, 424 c, 424 d, and 424 e, respectively. It can be seen in FIG. 4B that the media content consumer 130 did not select the narrative segments associated with nodes 422 c, 422 f, and 422 h since no edges 424 connect to those nodes.

The method 400 of generating a narrative path graph that maps a media content consumer's sequence of narrative segments 124 through a respective narrative 164 concludes at 408.

FIG. 5 shows a high-level method 500 of presenting, via one or more content delivery platforms, a narrative 164 that includes a number of media content consumer selectable narrative segments 124 to a media content consumer 130 while preventing selection and/or presentation of all of the narrative segments 124 of the respective narrative 164 to the media content consumer 130, according to one or more embodiments. A narrative 164 may comprise a number of narrative segments 124 presented to the media content consumer 130 in an order that may or may not be partially predetermined, but is based at least in part on narrative segments 124 previously selected by the respective media content consumer 124. The media content consumer 130 typically accesses the narrative via one or more Webservers 160 by providing authorization information that uniquely identifies the media content consumer 130 (e.g., USERNAME and PASSWORD) and/or one or more media content consumer processor-based devices 132 (e.g., network interface card or NIC address; media access control or MAC address; or similar unique device and/or network identifier). The ability to identify a particular media content consumer 130 provides the ability to track the activities of the media content consumer 130 as well as limit the access of a particular media content consumer to a number of narrative segments 124.

The content delivery platform presents the media content consumer 130 with prompts 126 at various defined points during the narrative 164. Often the points at which prompts 126 are provided are selected by the production and/or editing teams to achieve a desired artistic effect. For example, such prompts 126 may appear during the pendency of, or more typically at the conclusion of, at least some of the narrative segments 124. Such prompts 126 include a number of icons 322 (e.g., two or more) each corresponding of a respective one of a plurality of narrative segments 124 available or accessible to the particular media content consumer 130 at that particular time or point in the narrative 164. Upon receipt of a selection input representative of one of the icons 322 included in a prompt 126, the selected narrative segment 124 is provided by the content delivery system to the media content consumer 130.

The media content consumer 130 progresses through the narrative 164 by selecting one of a number of candidate narrative segments 124 presented as icons 322 at a prompt 126. Since only one icon 322 is selectable at each prompt 126, at least some of the narrative segments 124 (i.e., those corresponding to non-selected icons 322) of the narrative 164 will remain un-selected (and therefore unaccessed/unconsumed) by the media content consumer 130, if not presented for selection again. In some instances, access to these un-selected narrative segments 124 may be provided to the media content consumer 130 at some point, for example after the media content consumer 130 has completed the narrative 164. In other instances, such as that detailed in method 500, at least a portion of these un-selected narrative segments 124 remain at least temporarily, and at times permanently, inaccessible to the media content consumer 130. The method 500 of providing a narrative 164 that includes a number of media content consumer selectable narrative segments 124 to a media content consumer 130 while preventing selection of all of the narrative segments 124 of the respective narrative 164 commences at 502.

At 504, an iterative loop counter (i) is initialized by setting the value equal to a defined initial value (e.g., zero).

At 506, a portion (e.g., an beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a) of a narrative 164 is presented to the media content consumer 130. In some instances, the narrative 164 may be provided as streaming data or streaming media originating from one or more remote Webservers 160. In some instances, the narrative 164 may be downloaded to the media content consumer processor-based device 132 for later playback or presentation by the media content consumer 130. In other instances, the narrative 164 may be read from one or more nontransitory storage media devices (e.g., DVD) using an appropriate media reader that is communicably coupled to the media content consumer processor-based device 132. Typically, the narrative 164 will commence with a beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a to provide each media content consumer 130 with a common setting for the ultimate storyline or plotline created by subsequent user-selected narrative segments 124. At times, the narrative 164 may conclude with an ending narrative segment 124 n to provide each media content consumer 130 with a common ending regardless of the storyline or plotline followed by the user-selected narrative segments 124. At times, the narrative 164 may conclude with one of a number of ending narrative segments 124 n selected at least in part based on the user-selected narrative segments 124.

At 508, the iterative loop counter is incremented by a defined value (e.g., i=i+1) subsequent to the presentation of a narrative segment 124.

At 510, for each of “N” prompts 126 that the production team or editing team has identified within the narrative 164, the content delivery platform provides a prompt 126 that includes a number of icons 322 that permit the media content consumer 130 to select one of a number of corresponding narrative segments 124. Each of the number of icons 322 provided at the prompt 126 corresponds to a single narrative segment 124 included in an i^(th) subset of narrative segments 124 selected by the production team or the editing team.

At 512, the content delivery platform receives an input by the media content consumer 130 that is indicative of a selection of one of the icons 322 included in the prompt 126 (e.g., by selecting the icon 322 using a pointing device such as a mouse or by selecting the icon 322 directly via a touchscreen interface). The received input includes data indicative of the selected icon 322.

At 514, the content delivery platform presents the selected narrative segment 124 to the media content consumer 130. For example, if a media content consumer input indicative of the icon 322 a is received, the narrative segment 124 corresponding to or logically associated with icon 322 a is presented to the media content consumer 130 by the content delivery platform. Similarly, if a media content consumer input indicative of the icon 322 b is received, the narrative segment 124 logically associated with icon 322 b is presented to the media content consumer 130 by the content delivery platform.

At 516, the content delivery platform prevents the media content consumer 130 from at least temporarily accessing one or more non-selected narrative segments 124. In some instances, the content delivery platform limits the number of narrative segments 124 accessible by a media content consumer 130 to a defined number of narrative segments 124 that is less than the total number of narrative segments 124. In other instances, the content delivery system limits the number of narrative segments 124 accessible by the media content consumer 130 to a percentage of the total number of narrative segments 124. The content delivery platform may track a user identifier, which allows the content delivery platform to prevent a specific user from accessing a particular narrative segment across a variety of devices. Additionally or alternatively, content delivery platform may track a device identifier (e.g., MAC address), which allows the content delivery platform to prevent a specific device from accessing a particular narrative segment. The content delivery platform may permanently prevent access or may prevent access for a defined amount of time.

At 518, the content delivery platform determines whether the final iteration has been reached. For example, it may be determined whether all narrative segments for the narrative have been presented to the media content consumer 130, or whether a path followed by the media content consumer 130 has reached a termination condition (e.g., end point, maximum allowed length). If the final iteration has not been reached, control returns to 508 where the counter i is further incremented, and acts 510 to 516 are repeated for each of the “N” identified subsets of narrative segments 124. Otherwise, the method 500 terminates at 520.

FIG. 6 shows a high-level method 600 of providing a narrative 164 that includes a number of media content consumer selectable narrative segments 124 while preventing selection of all of the narrative segments 124 of the respective narrative 164 until an occurrence of at least one specified condition (e.g., one or more defined interactions with another media content consumer, for example by performing a defined social media related activity), according to one or more embodiments.

Based on the selections made by a media content consumer at each of the prompts 126 a-126 n that occur throughout a narrative 164, at least some media content consumers 130 will experience the narrative 164, for example from different perspectives (e.g., perspectives of different characters). Importantly, at the conclusion of the narrative 164, at least some of the narrative segments 124 will not have been presented (i.e., unconsumed) by each particular media content consumer 130. These unconsumed narrative segments 124, each providing a different perspective, experience, or view of the narrative 164 represent a valuable assert that can be selectively provided to media content consumers 130 based on the media content consumer completing, performing, or accomplishing one or more defined activities or tasks (e.g., sharing, blogging, posting, linking, liking, tweeting, paying, reviewing, viewing, accessing, participating, achieving a sufficient score independently or as a team in a contest). The method of providing unconsumed narrative segments 124 to a media content consumer 130 based on the media content consumer achieving at least one specified condition or fulfilling at least one defined criterion commences at 602.

At 604, the content delivery platform prevents the media content consumer 130 from at least temporarily accessing one or more non-selected narrative segments 124. In some instances, the content delivery platform limits the number of narrative segments 124 accessible by a media content consumer 130 to a defined number of narrative segments 124 that is less than the total number of narrative segments 124. In other instances, the content delivery system limits the number of narrative segments 124 accessible by the media content consumer 130 to a percentage of the total number of narrative segments 124.

The content delivery platform provides the narrative 164 in the form of a sequence of narrative segments 124. The media content consumer 130 selects an icon corresponding to one of a number of narrative segments 124 at prompts 126 placed at defined locations throughout the narrative 164. Each prompt 126 includes a plurality of icons 322 a-322 n, each of which corresponds to a respective, different, narrative segment 124. By selecting one icon 322 a at the prompt 126, the narrative segments 124 corresponding to the unselected remain 322 b-322 n remain unconsumed or unaccessed by the media content consumer 130.

At times, some of the unconsumed or unaccessed (i.e., unselected) narrative segments 124 from prompts 126 earlier in the narrative 164 may be made available by the content delivery platform at later prompts 126, however the narrative 164 is structured such that the media content consumer 130 is unable to consume all of the narrative segments 124. Thus, at the conclusion of the narrative 164, a number of unselected narrative segments 124 will remain unconsumed or unaccessed by the media content consumer 130.

The unconsumed or unaccessed narrative segments 124 provide the media content consumer with additional information in the form of secondary storylines, insight into an aspect of a character's inner awareness, life experiences through the perspective of different narrative presentation characters, and similar. The media content consumer 130 may thus consider these unconsumed narrative segments as quite desirable. This desire to either consume the unconsumed narrative segments or learn the contents of the unconsumed narrative segments may be used to promote the performance of defined activities or actions by the media content consumer 130.

At 608, the content delivery system provides access to at least a portion of the unaccessed and/or unconsumed narrative segments 124 to the media content consumer 130 upon an occurrence of at least one defined event or activity, upon fulfilling one or more specified conditions, or upon meeting a specified criterion. Upon the fulfillment of the specified condition or meeting the at least one defined criterion, the content delivery platform provides the media content consumer 130 a with access to at least some of the narrative segments that remained unselected by the respective media content consumer 130 a at the conclusion of the narrative 164. At times, such unselected narrative segments 124 may be provided to the respective media content consumer 130 a in the form of “bonus” segments or similar promotional content.

In some instances, the at least one defined event or activity may include at least one defined social media activity associated with the narrative 164. For example, the at least one defined event may include at least one social media sharing action. An example social media sharing action may include sharing via social media with other media content consumers a narrative path graph depicting the narrative segment sequence taken by the media content consumer.

In some instances, the at least one defined event or activity may include interacting with other media content consumers 130 of the respective narrative 164. Such defined interactions may include relatively simple activities such as posting or collecting comments posted on a FACEBOOK wall. Such defined interactions may include posting or interacting with other media content consumers 130 of the respective narrative 164 for example via web-to-web communications, text messages, etc.

In some instances, such specified conditions or defined criterion may include sharing the narrative segment path taken by the respective media content consumer 130 a with other media content consumers 130 b-130 n. For example, the narrative segment path taken by a first media content consumer 130 a may be compared with the narrative segment path taken by a second media content consumer 130 b with whom the first content consumer had a prior relationship.

In some instances, the at least one defined event may include a first media content consumer 130 a meeting a specified condition or defined criterion by interacting with additional media content consumer(s) 130 b-130 n that are identified by the content delivery platform based upon accessing a particular narrative segment 124 or plurality of narrative segments 124. For example, the content delivery system may select the a second media content consumer 130 b based on a similarity or difference condition based at least in part on the narrative segment path taken by the a first media content consumer 130 a.

In some instances, the at least one defined event or activity may include sharing one or more aspects of the media content consumer's impressions, experiences, or narrative segment sequence through the narrative 164 with one or more other media content consumers 130 and/or one or more defined analytical engines. Such analytical engines may be used, for example, to analyze and establish trends based on the narrative segment sequence of the narrative 164. For example, analytics may determine that media content consumers 130 following at least a portion of a particular narrative segment sequence have an overall more favorable impression of the narrative 164. Such data may be useful for pre-screening different candidate narrative presentations 164 prior to selecting a single narrative presentation for theatrical release. Such data may be useful for establishing statistical relationships between narrative segment sequence and one or more demographic factors associated with media content consumers 130 (e.g., male consumers 35-49 prefer a first narrative segment sequence while female consumers 20-29 prefer a second narrative segment sequence). The method of providing unconsumed narrative segments 124 to a media content consumer 130 based on the media content consumer completing, performing, or accomplishing one or more defined activities or tasks concludes at 610.

FIG. 7A shows a high-level method 700 of assessing whether to provide a cue or icon after a first defined portion of a narrative segment 124 based at least in part on media content consumer interaction with a narrative 164, according to one or more embodiments. Such cues or icons may be useful for providing the media content consumer 130 access to either an additional or bonus content 128 or to a prompt 126 providing access to a plurality of additional narrative segments 124. In such a manner, additional or bonus content 128 and/or narrative segments 124 may be “nested” at one or more levels within other narrative segments 124 or within the narrative 164. Similarly, additional or bonus content 128 may be “nested” to one or more levels within a particular narrative segment 124. At times, upon completion of the nested narrative segment(s) 124 and/or the subordinate narrative presentation 128, the content delivery platform provides the remaining portion of the narrative segment 124 in which the cue or prompt 720 appeared to the media content consumer 130. FIG. 7B is a screen capture showing an illustrative icon or cue or prompt 720 inserted by the content delivery system into a narrative segment 124. The method of assessing based at least in part on media content consumer interaction with a narrative 164 whether to provide a cue or prompt 720 after a first defined portion of a narrative segment 124 commences at 702.

At 704, a portion (e.g., an beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a) of a narrative 164 is presented to the media content consumer 130. In some instances, the narrative 164 may be provided as streaming data or streaming media originating from one or more remote Webservers 160. In some instances, the narrative 164 may be downloaded to the media content consumer processor-based device 132 for later playback or presentation by the media content consumer 130. In other instances, the narrative 164 may be read from one or more nontransitory storage media devices (e.g., DVD) using an appropriate media reader that is communicably coupled to the media content consumer processor-based device 132. Typically, the narrative 164 will commence with a beginning or foundational narrative segment 124 a to provide each media content consumer 130 with a common setting for the ultimate storyline or plotline created by subsequent user-selected narrative segments 124. At times, the narrative 164 may conclude with an ending narrative segment 124 n to provide each media content consumer 130 with a common ending regardless of the storyline or plotline followed by the user-selected narrative segments 124. At times, the narrative 164 may conclude with one of a number of ending narrative segments 124 n selected at least in part based on the user-selected narrative segments 124.

At 706, responsive to the presentation of a first defined portion of a narrative segment 124, the content delivery platform assesses one or more conditions specific to a prior interaction between the media content consumer 130 and the respective narrative 164. Such interactions may include any inputs provided by the media content consumer 130 to the content delivery platform. In one instance, the interactions may include the narrative segment path the media content consumer 130 has followed to the point at which the assessment occurs (e.g., has the media content consumer 130 consumed a defined narrative segment 124 and/or a defined number and/or sequence of narrative segments?). In another instance, the interactions may include demographic information that is directly supplied by the media content consumer 130 (e.g., age, gender, marital status) and/or indirectly supplied by the media content consumer processor-based device 132 (e.g., cookies, browsing history, prior purchase history, prior narrative presentation consumption history). The interactions may include one or more conditional expressions and/or Boolean conditions.

At 708, responsive to assessing the first condition, the content delivery system determines whether a cue or prompt 720 should be inserted into the instant narrative segment 124 for presentation to the media content consumer. Generally, the cue or prompt 720 is associated with one or more additional or bonus content 128 and/or a prompt 126 that provides the media content consumer with prompts for a number of additional narrative segments 124 and/or additional or bonus content. Such content is accessed when the media content consumer provides an input to the content delivery system that is indicative of a selection of the cue 720.

At 710, responsive to determining that a cue or prompt 720 should appear within the instant narrative segment 124, the content delivery platform inserts the respective cue or prompt 720. At times, the production team or editing team places the cue or prompt 720 at a defined physical and/or logical location in the narrative segment 124. For example, an additional or bonus content 128 that includes content directed to a character's mental state or thoughts may be presented as a cue or prompt 720 proximate the character's head in the narrative segment 124. Such a cue or prompt 720 may be visible while the respective character is engaged in an observable activity related to the mental state (e.g., memories of working on a farm as a teenager as the 30-something character shovels dirt as a member of a 1930s Louisiana chain gang). In another example, a prompt 126 providing a number of narrative segments associated with a character's background may be presented as a cue or prompt 720 proximate the character's feet. FIG. 7B depicts a cue or prompt 720 proximate a character's head that, when selected by the media content consumer 130, commences the presentation of an additional or bonus content 128 describing the character's thoughts. The method of assessing based at least in part on media content consumer interaction with a narrative 164 whether to provide a cue or prompt 720 after a first defined portion of a narrative segment 124 concludes at 712.

FIG. 8 shows a high-level method 800 of operating a content editing system 120 to create a narrative 164 that includes a number of narrative segments 124 and a number of prompts 126 at which the media content consumer can select an icon 322 corresponding to a particular narrative segment 124 to continue the narrative 164, according to one or more embodiments. Raw content 114 generated by content creators 110 is provided to the content editing system 120 where the production team and/or the editing team edit and assemble the raw content into a number of narrative segments 124 for inclusion in a narrative 164. The production team and/or editing team assembles the narrative segments 124 into a narrative 164 that includes a number of prompts 126, each located, placed, or positioned at a defined location in the narrative 164. Each prompt includes at least two icons 322. Each icon 322 included in a prompt 126 corresponds to a particular narrative segment 124 included in the narrative 164.

At times, the editing team defines at least some of the icons 322 included in some or all of the number of prompts 126. At other times, the content delivery system providing the narrative 164 to the media content consumer 130 pseudo-randomly selects at least some of the icons 322 included in some or all of the number of prompts 126. In some implementations, one or more algorithms, conditional expressions, or Boolean conditions may be used to select or deselect at least a portion of the icons 322 included in one or more prompts 126. At times, the content provider system pseudo-randomly selects the narrative segments 124 included in the prompt 126 from a larger sub-set of narrative segments 124 that is smaller than the total set of narrative segments 124 of the narrative 164.

At times, it may be undesirable to include at least some icons 322 in one or more prompts 126. For example, it is undesirable to include an icon 322 corresponding to a narrative segment 124 previously viewed by the media content consumer 130. In another example, it may be undesirable to include icons 322 that correspond to narrative segments 124 blocked from presentation to the media content consumer (e.g., parentally blocked to prevent consumption by minor media content consumers 130). In yet another example, it may be undesirable to include icons 322 that correspond to narrative segments 124 designated as representing “premium,” “bonus,” “promotional,” or similar content and for which the media content consumer 130 has not obtained authorization (e.g., via purchase or by satisfying one or more defined conditions).

The method 800 of operating a content editing system 120 to create a narrative that includes a number of narrative segments 124 and a number of prompts 126 commences at 802.

At 804, the content editing system generates a user interface that includes a user interface element with which the production team or editing team can identify any number of defined checkpoints in a narrative 164. The content delivery system performs an assessment at each of the defined checkpoints. Such assessments determine whether the content delivery system presents a prompt 126 to the media content consumer 130 and/or determines the number and/or type of icons 322 presented to the media content consumer 130 via the prompt 126. Such assessments may include one or more algorithms, conditional expressions, or Boolean conditions.

The content editing system also generates a condition specifier interface element that permits the production team or the editing team to determine, set, or otherwise select at least one condition to be assessed at each of the respective checkpoints. At times, the at least one condition may be selected from a defined plurality of conditions to be assessed.

The content editing system also generates an action user interface element to set an action performed in response to a defined outcome of the assessment of the respective condition. For example, an assessed condition may include whether a particular narrative segment 124 a has been presented to the respective media content consumer 130. If narrative segment 124 a was previously presented to the media content consumer 130, an icon 322 corresponding to narrative segment 124 a is omitted from subsequent prompts 126. In another example, a condition may be based on a demographic or similar personal indicia of the media content consumer (e.g., gender, age, location, profession) 130. In such situations, narrative segments 124 may be selected based at least in part f narrative segment 124 a was previously presented to the media content consumer 130, an icon 322 corresponding to narrative segment 124 a is not included in subsequent prompts 126.

At 806, responsive to the selection received via the user interface at 804, the content editing system computationally associates the at least one checkpoint in the narrative segment 124, the at least one condition specifier, and the at least one action interface element with the respective narrative segment 124. The method 800 of operating a content editing system 120 to create a narrative that includes a number of narrative segments 124 and a number of prompts 126 concludes at 808.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are an illustrative narrative creation editor user interfaces 900. Visible in the user interfaces 900 are a first panel 902 in which the narrative segments 124 appear, a second panel 904 in which the structure of the narrative 164 is graphically displayed via a tree-like structure 920, and a third panel 906 in which various narrative (i.e., “movie”) options are displayed under the “MAIN MOVIE” tab 930 (FIG. 9A) and various transition options are displayed under the “TRANSITIONS” tab 950 (FIG. 9B). The user interface 900 represents an interface used by the production team or editing team to create a narrative 164 by selecting and assembling narrative segments 124. The first panel 902 includes a content player 910, control buttons 912 (e.g., play, pause, step forward, step reverse, stop), a timeline 914 for the content provided in the content player 910. The first panel 902 also includes icons representing the narrative segments 124 appearing as icons 322 in a prompt 126 upon termination or at the conclusion of the narrative segment 124.

The second panel 904 includes a graphical narrative structure 920, identifying logical relationships between the narrative segments 124 included in the narrative 164. Visible within the graphical narrative structure 920 is narrative information 922 (denoted using a camera icon), narrative segment information 924 (denoted using the film icon), and prompt information 926 (denoted using an eye icon).

The third panel 906 includes two tabs, a first tab labeled MAIN MOVIE 930 and a second tab labeled TRANSITIONS 950. FIG. 9A shows the contents under the MAIN MOVIE tab 930 of the third panel 906. Under the MAIN MOVIE tab 930, the third panel 906 includes buttons 932 that enable the system user to SAVE, SAVE AND PREVIEW, or COPY one or more settings. Under the MAIN MOVIE tab 930, the third panel 906 includes a MOVIE TITLE text field 934 to accept the entry of a movie title; a LABEL text field 938 to accept the entry of a label; and a DEFAULT AUDIO CUE text field 942 to accept the entry of an audio cue. Under the MAIN MOVIE tab 930, the third panel 906 additionally includes a SELECT VIDEO selection pull down menu 936 to select stored narrative segments 124 for the narrative 164 and a DEFAULT CUE TYPE pull down menu 940.

FIG. 9B shows the contents under the “TRANSITIONS” tab 950 of the third panel 906. Under the TRANSITIONS tab, the third panel 906 includes buttons 932 that enable the system user to SAVE, SAVE AND PREVIEW, or COPY one or more settings. Under the TRANSITIONS tab 950, the third panel 906 includes a DIRECTION selection pull down menu 956 to select the default direction of transitions within the narrative 164 and a TYPE selection pull down menu 958 to select the default type of transition within the narrative 164. Under the TRANSITIONS tab 950, the third panel 906 additionally includes a START TIME text field 960 and a DURATION text field 962. Under the TRANSITIONS tab 950, the transition direction is shown in a DIRECTION field 964 and the transition type is shown in a TYPE field 966. Under the TRANSITIONS tab 950, buttons permitting the addition of a new transition type 968 a or the deletion of an existing transition type 968 b.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are examples of illustrative narrative creation editor user interfaces 1000 depicting a variety of narrative segment 124 editing options. Visible in the user interface 1000 is a first panel 902 in which the narrative segments 124 are presented to the editing user, a second panel 904 in which the structure of the narrative 164 is graphically displayed to the editing user via a tree-like structure 920, and a third panel 906 in which various narrative segment (i.e., “video”) editing options are displayed under the “VIDEO” tab 910 (FIG. 10A), various narrative transition editing options are displayed under the “TRANSITIONS” tab 930 (FIG. 10B), and various narrative segment cue point editing options are displayed under the “CUE POINT” tab 950 (FIG. 10C).

The user interfaces 1000 are used by the production team or editing team to create a narrative 164 by selecting and assembling narrative segments 124. The first panel 902 includes a content player 910, control buttons 912 (e.g., play, pause, step forward, step reverse, stop), a timeline 914 for the content provided in the content player 910. The first panel 902 also includes icons 916 representing the narrative segments 124 that appear as icons 322 in a prompt 126 upon termination or at the conclusion of the narrative segment 124.

The second panel 904 includes a graphical narrative structure 920 in a format analogous to a directory tree, identifying logical relationships between the narrative segments 124 included in the narrative 164. Alternative graphical narrative structures 920 in the form of icons and/or text are also possible, although not depicted in FIG. 10A. Visible within the graphical narrative structure 920 is narrative information 922 (denoted using a camera icon), narrative segment information 924 (denoted using the film icon), and prompt information 926 (denoted using an eye icon).

The third panel 906 includes three tabs, a first tab labeled VIDEO 1010, a second tab labeled TRANSITIONS 1030, and a third tab labeled CUE POINTS 1050. FIG. 10A shows the contents under the VIDEO tab 1010 of the third panel 906. Under the VIDEO tab 1010, the third panel 906 includes a SELECT VIDEO selection pull down menu 1012 to select stored narrative segments 124 for the narrative 164 and a WHEN VIDEO FINISHES pull down menu 940 to select the action performed by the content player system at the conclusion of the selected narrative segment 124.

FIG. 10B shows the contents under the “TRANSITIONS” tab 1030 of the third panel 906 in an example illustrative narrative creation editor user interface 1000. Under the TRANSITIONS tab 1030, the third panel 906 includes buttons 932 that enable the system user to SAVE, SAVE AND PREVIEW, or COPY one or more settings. Under the TRANSITIONS tab 1030, the third panel 906 includes a DIRECTION selection pull down menu 1036 to select the default direction of transitions within the narrative 164 and a TYPE selection pull down menu 1038 to select the default type of transition within the narrative 164. Under the TRANSITIONS tab 1030, the third panel 906 additionally includes a START TIME text field 1040 and a DURATION text field 1042. Under the TRANSITIONS tab 1030, the transition direction is shown in a DIRECTION field 1044 and the transition type is shown in a TYPE field 1046. Under the TRANSITIONS tab 1030, buttons permitting the addition of a new transition type 1048 a or the deletion of an existing transition type 1048 b.

FIG. 10C shows the contents under the “CUE POINTS” tab 1050 of the third panel 906 in an example illustrative narrative creation editor user interface 1000. The editing team may use the CUE POINTS tab to insert cue points within a narrative segment 124. At times, these cue points identify locations within a narrative presentation 124 at which information in the form of additional narrative segments 124 may be made available to the media content consumer 130. At times, cues may be presented conditional upon the media content consumer 130 meeting one or more defined criterion.

Under the CUE POINTS tab 1050, the third panel 906 includes buttons 932 that enable the system user to SAVE, SAVE AND PREVIEW, or COPY one or more settings. Under the CUE POINTS tab 1050, the third panel 906 includes a WHEN selection pull down menu 1052 a and a duration display 1052 b to indicate the temporal location within the narrative segment 124 at which the cue may be made available to the media content consumer 130 and a DO selection pull down menu 1054 to indicate the action to be taken at the selected time. Under the CUE POINTS tab 1050, the third panel 906 additionally includes a KEY text field 1056 and a VALUE text field 1058. Under the CUE POINTS tab 1050, the WHEN value is shown in a WHEN field 1062, the action type is shown in a DO field 1064, the key value is shown in a KEY field 1066, and the key value is shown in a VALUE field 1068. The CUE POINTS tab 1050 also includes buttons permitting the addition of a new cue point 1060 a or the deletion of an existing cue points 1060 b.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are examples of illustrative narrative creation editor user interfaces 1100 depicting a variety of editing options useful with narrative segments 124 such as additional or bonus content 128, according to one illustrated embodiment. Visible in the user interface 1100 is a first panel 902 in which the narrative segments 124 are presented to the editing user, a second panel 904 in which the structure of the narrative 164 is graphically displayed to the editing user via a tree-like structure 920, and a third panel 906 in which various narrative segment (i.e., “video”) editing options are displayed under the “PODOP” (i.e., additional or bonus content 128) tab 1110 (FIG. 11A), various narrative transition editing options are displayed under the “CUES” tab 1130 (FIG. 11B), and various narrative segment cue point editing options are displayed under the “CONDITIONS” tab 1150 (FIG. 11C).

The user interfaces 1100 are used by the production team or editing team to insert a narrative segment 124 or additional or bonus content 128 into a narrative 164 by selecting and assembling the respective narrative segments 124 and/or additional or bonus content 128. The first panel 902 includes a content player 910, control buttons 912 (e.g., play, pause, step forward, step reverse, stop), a timeline 914 for the content provided in the content player 910. The first panel 902 also includes icons 916 representing the narrative segments 124 that appear as icons 322 in a prompt 126 upon termination or at the conclusion of the narrative segment 124.

The second panel 904 includes a graphical narrative structure 920 in a format analogous to a directory tree, identifying logical relationships between the narrative segments 124 included in the narrative 164. Alternative graphical narrative structures 920 in the form of icons and/or text are also possible, although not depicted in FIG. 11A. Visible within the graphical narrative structure 920 is narrative information 922 (denoted using a camera icon), narrative segment information 924 (denoted using the film icon), and prompt information 926 (denoted using an eye icon).

The third panel 906 includes three tabs, a first tab labeled PODOP 1110, a second tab labeled CUES 1130, and a third tab labeled CONDITIONS 1150. FIG. 11A shows the contents under the PODOP tab 1110 of the third panel 906. Under the PODOP tab 1110, the third panel 906 includes a SELECT VIDEO selection pull down menu 1112 to select stored narrative segments 124 and/or additional or bonus content 128 for the narrative 164. The PODOP tab 1110 also includes a LABEL text field 1114, a CUT TO PODOP text field 1118, and a RETURN FROM PODOP text field 1120. The PODOP tab 1110 also includes an AVAILABILITY field that includes a number of radio buttons and two text fields. Radio button 1117 a places a selectable icon (for initiating the presentation of another narrative segment 124 or an additional or bonus content 128) in the narrative 164 for the duration of the instant narrative segment 124. Radio button 1117 b places a selectable icon (for initiating the presentation of another narrative segment 124 or an additional or bonus content 128) in the narrative 164 at the conclusion of the instant narrative segment 124. Radio button 1117 c places a selectable icon (for initiating the presentation of another narrative segment 124 or an additional or bonus content 128) in the narrative 164 for a portion of the duration of the instant narrative segment 124. The text boxes 1117 d and 1117 e provide the “FROM” and “TO” times that the icon is displayed in the instant narrative segment 124.

FIG. 11B shows the contents under the “CUES” tab 1130 of the third panel 906 in an example illustrative additional or bonus content 128 creation editor user interface 1100. Under the CUES tab 1130, the third panel 906 includes buttons 932 that enable the system user to SAVE, SAVE AND PREVIEW, or COPY one or more settings. Under the CUES tab 1130, the third panel 906 includes a CUE TYPE selection pull down menu 1136 to select the type of cue placed within the narrative 164 to indicate the availability of a narrative segment 124 or an additional or bonus content 128 to the media content consumer 130. Under the CUES tab 1130, the third panel 906 additionally includes an Universal Resource Locator (URL) address field 1137 in which an address for the narrative segment 124 or additional or bonus content 126 may be provided by the production team or editing team. Under the CUES tab 1130, the third panel 906 additionally includes an “X” text field 1138, a “Y” text field 1140, a WIDTH text field 1142, and a HEIGHT text field 1144. The X and Y text fields 1138 and 1140 indicate the location within the narrative 164 at which the cue is placed. The HEIGHT and WIDTH text fields 1142 and 1144 indicate the size of the cue in the narrative 164. Under the CUES tab 1130, the cue type is shown in a CUE TYPE field 1146.

FIG. 11C shows the contents under the “CONDITIONS” tab 1150 of the third panel 906 in an example illustrative subordinate narrative creation editor user interface 1100. The editing team may use the CONDITIONS tab 1150 to establish conditions (e.g., logical conditions expressed as an algorithm or Boolean expression) to establish cue points within the narrative 164.

Under the CONDITIONS tab 1150, the third panel 906 includes buttons 932 that enable the system user to SAVE, SAVE AND PREVIEW, or COPY one or more settings. Under the CONDITIONS tab 1150, the third panel 906 includes a REQUIRES selection pull down menu 1152 to establish requirements for displaying a cue or icon in the narrative presentation 164 and a TEST selection pull down menu 1154 to establish the conditional tests for displaying the cue or icon in the narrative presentation 164. Under the CONDITIONS tab 1150, the third panel 906 additionally includes a KEY text field 1156 and a VALUE text field 1157. Under the CONDITIONS tab 1150, the conditional requirements are shown in a REQUIRES field 1158, the test is shown in a TEST field 1160, the key value is shown in a KEY field 1162, and the key value is shown in a VALUE field 1164. The CONDITIONS tab 1150 also includes buttons permitting the addition of a new condition 1166 a or the deletion of an existing condition 1166 b.

Some specific examples of implementations will now be provided as support to the understanding of the teachings herein.

In a hybrid model, episodes can be released all at once for binge-watching and then at specific times in between episodes or seasons to invoke more sustained social chatter. The storyteller/network has the control. For example, networks could strategically release one or more exclusive narrative segments and/or additional or bonus content that reveal something telling about a character between episodes or seasons.

In the first Pod Op episode, viewers will get a choice of paths to take. Once a choice has been made, the viewer will continue along a particular path for a set amount of Pod Ops and/or episodes until they get the opportunity to select the other choice or a new set of choices. This will stimulate social chatter, since the viewing community will be sharing and comparing their different experiences. For example, a viewer selects a particular character's point-of-view (POV) and stays with that character for the next episode, until the viewer is given the option to choose the POV of another character.

The system may allow viewers to share out their path to through various social channels. The viewer can see how their path compares to the paths of the viewer's friends, family and/or coworkers. Viewers can also share out individual narrative segments and/or additional or bonus content as discussion pieces.

The system may enable viewers to unlock narrative segments and/or additional or bonus content once a certain threshold of viewing is reached. For example, the system may allow the first 1,000 viewers who reach certain narrative segment or episode, to unlock an exclusive narrative segment and/or exclusive additional or bonus content. For instance, those users may be permitted to access a giant shocker or plot twist in the narrative, weeks before its scheduled for general release to other viewers. The only way other viewers will be able to see this particular exclusive narrative segment and/or exclusive additional or bonus content, is if one of the first viewers shares the exclusive narrative segment and/or exclusive additional or bonus content with them. The system may limit the number of additional viewers which each of the first viewers are allowed to share or unlock the exclusive narrative segment and/or exclusive additional or bonus content.

Viewers that are logged into the application or otherwise using the system, for instance via the viewer's Facebook® account, may be able to see a “heat map” of where their friends are in the narrative, and/or be alerted when their friends have made similar choices, and/or are on a different path from the viewer.

The system may provide viewers with a choice for which episode of narrative segment they will view first, which will set the viewer out on a particular path. During subsequent periods (e.g., weeks), viewers will discover that their friends may be on similar or different paths. Such may occur both through outside social chatter or media, and through the a graphical representation or Story Map provided by the system or a component thereof. Viewers will have the opportunity to share their particular path or a particular narrative segment with their friends or other viewers in order to learn more about the narrative and characters. The system may, for example allow viewers to swap particular narrative segments and/or additional or bonus content, and “collect” narrative segments via viewing and/or sharing with others in order to populate the user's own Story Map. This may allow viewers to gain the most insights into the narrative at large. Once viewers have “collected” a certain number of narrative segments, for example with the help of the community, the viewer will have the opportunity to unlock other narrative segments and/or additional or bonus content (e.g., the season's finale). This will be the first truly socially-driven, collaborative TV watching experience, in that the viewer will have to be social in order to get the full experience. Viewers will get the satisfaction of intimate binge-viewing, along with the social communal experience.

In some implementations, a content delivery platform may allow a content media consumer to select two or more narrative segments for presentation, allowing the content media consumer to establish a queue of narrative segments, and optionally other content, to be presented. In a method of defining queues, for each presentation of each of a plurality of narratives to each of a plurality of media content consumers, each narrative comprised of a set of a plurality of narrative segments, at least two of the narrative segments of each of the narratives having a distinct temporal order within a time sequence of events of the respective narrative, at least one processor-based component may: cause a presentation of one of the narrative segments of the respective narrative; cause a presentation of at least a first cue that allows the respective media content consumer to select a first subsequent narrative segment of the respective narrative for presentation and at least a second subsequent narrative segment of the respective narrative for presentation, before presenting any subsequent narrative segments of the narrative; and at least temporarily storing information that identifies a queue of at least the first and the second subsequent narrative segments associated with the respective media content consumer and the respective narrative presentation.

The at least one processor-based component may, for example, first causes the presentation of the first cue to the respective media content consumer, and then cause the presentation of a second cue to the media content consumer, subsequent to the presentation of the first cue to the respective media content consumer. In some implementations the at least one processor-based component may determine a content of the second cue based at least in part on a selection made by the respective media content consumer with respect to the first cue. For example, a set of narrative segments to choose from in the second cue, may be based on a narrative segment selected via the first cue. Also for example, the at least one processor-based component may causes a presentation of a third cue to the media content consumer, subsequent to the presentation of the second cue to the media content consumer. The content of the third cue may be based at least in part on a selection made by the respective media content consumer with respect to the first and the second cues.

The at least one processor-based component may cause a presentation of the first subsequent narrative segment, and cause a presentation of the second subsequent narrative segment, following the presentation of the first subsequent narrative segment in an order specified in the queue.

In some implementations, a content delivery platform may allow a content media consumer to receive at least a synopsis or even replay content which has been previously presented to the content media consumer. This may, for example, be useful where the content consumer has returned to a narrative after a period of time (e.g., 1 week, 1 month, several months).

In a method of presenting at least a synopsis, a content delivery platform, for example, may: for each of a plurality of media content consumers viewers of each of a plurality of narratives, each narrative comprised of a set of a plurality of narrative segments, at least two of the narrative segments of each of the narratives having a distinct temporal order within a time sequence of events of the respective narrative: tracks a respective path in which the respective media content consumer progresses through at least a portion of the respective narrative on a narrative segment by narrative segment basis; and in response to an input by a first one of the media content consumers, presenting at least a synopsis of the narrative segments from the respective path in which the respective media content consumer progressed through the respective narrative.

For example, at least one processor-based component may present or cause to be presented, a plurality of portions of each of the narrative segments from the respective path in which the respective media content consumer progressed through the respective narrative.

For example, at least one processor-based component may present or cause to be presented, a plurality of portions of each of the narrative segments from the respective path in which the respective media content consumer progressed through the respective narrative in a same order as an order in which the respective media content consumer progressed through the respective narrative.

For example, at least one processor-based component may present or cause to be presented, a plurality of portions of each of the narrative segments from the respective path in which the respective media content consumer progressed through the respective narrative in a different order than an order in which the respective media content consumer progressed through the respective narrative.

For example, at least one processor-based component may present or cause to be presented, a plurality of character interactions from some, but less than all, of the narrative segments from the respective path in which the respective media content consumer progressed through the respective narrative.

For example, at least one processor-based component may represent or cause to be re-presented, each of the narrative segments from the respective path in which the respective media content consumer progressed through the respective narrative in a same order as an order in which the respective media content consumer progressed through the respective narrative.

For example, at least one processor-based component may: determine an elapsed time since the respective media content consumer has last accessed any portion of the respective narrative; determine whether the elapsed time exceeds a threshold value; and in response to determining that the elapsed time exceeds a threshold value, present or cause to be presented a cue to the respective media content consumer offering the availability of the synopsis, and wherein the presenting of the at least the synopsis of the narrative segments is responsive to a selection by the media content consumer to receive the at least the synopsis of the narrative segments.

In some implementations, a content delivery platform may allow a content media consumer to search or filter the narrative based on a criterion or on two or more criteria. This may permit the content media consumer to find or understand interesting themes or relationships which are spread across a narrative. While useable on short narratives, this feature will typically be better suited for relatively longer narratives.

For example, a method may include for each of a plurality of media content consumers viewers of each of a plurality of narratives, each narrative comprised of a set of a plurality of narrative segments, at least two of the narrative segments of each of the narratives having a distinct temporal order within a time sequence of events of the respective narrative: receiving input indicative of at least one user specified selection criterion to be applied to a respective one of the narratives; identifying, by the at least one processor-based component, each narrative segment, or portion thereof, which satisfies the at least one user specified selection criterion; and making the identified narrative segment, or portion thereof, available to the respective media content consumer.

The at least one user specified selection criterion, may for example specify at least one of: a character in the narrative, a theme in the narrative, a psychological state of a character, plot elements, thematic elements, motifs, relationships, textures, or a chronological condition in a time frame of the narrative.

The at least one user specified selection criterion may include one type of criteria (e.g., any one of the types of criteria listed immediately above), or may include two or more different types of criteria (e.g., any two or more of the criteria listed immediately above). For each type of criteria, the at least one user specified selection criterion may include one or more parameters or variables. For instance, for the character type criterion the media content consumer may specify a specific character in the narrative, or two or even more specific characters in the narrative. Specifying a single character may find all narrative segments, portions thereof, or scenes in which the specified character appears, or which are pivotal to the development of that specified character. Specifying two characters may find all narrative segments, portions thereof, or scenes in which the specified characters both appear, or at least one of the specified characters appear. The specified selection criteria may include a Boolean operator (e.g., AND, OR, XOR, NOT). Thus, specifying two characters with the Boolean operator AND will cause the content delivery platform to identify narrative segments, portions thereof, or scenes in which the specified characters both appear. Specifying two characters with the Boolean operator OR will cause the content delivery platform to identify narrative segments, portions thereof, or scenes in which at least one of the specified characters appears. Specifying two characters with the Boolean operator XOR will cause the content delivery platform to identify narrative segments, portions thereof, or scenes in which only one or the other but not both of the specified characters appears. Specifying two characters with the Boolean operator NOT will cause the content delivery platform to identify narrative segments, portions thereof, or scenes in which neither of the specified characters appears. Specifying one character and one thematic element with the Boolean operator AND will cause the content delivery platform to identify narrative segments, portions thereof, or scenes in which the specified character and thematic element both appear.

Identifying each narrative segment, or portion thereof, which satisfies the at least one user specified selection criterion may include searching a set of metadata logically associated with the narrative in nontransitory computer- or processor-readable storage media, the narrative segments or portions thereof. The metadata may be defined and logically associated with the narrative or portions thereof by an author, director or editing team, for instance via an editing system (discussed above).

Identifying each narrative segment, or portion thereof, which satisfies the at least one user specified selection criterion may include identifying exact matches to the selection criteria. Alternatively, Identifying each narrative segment, or portion thereof, which satisfies the at least one user specified selection criterion may include identifying exact and inexact matches to the selection criteria, for example via constraint satisfaction techniques or algorithms.

The content delivery platform may make the identified narrative segment, or portion thereof available to the respective media content consumer in a variety of ways. For example, the content delivery platform or portion thereof may present or cause to be presented to the respective media content consumer a set of results from the identification. For instance, the content delivery platform or portion thereof may present or cause to be presented an ordered set of results from the identifying in a user selectable form (e.g., ordered list, ranking or set of user selectable icons).

The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific embodiments of and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art.

For instance, the foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, schematics, and examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, schematics, and examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the present subject matter may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more controllers (e.g., microcontrollers) as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.

In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms taught herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of signal bearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable type media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digital tape, and computer memory; and transmission type media such as digital and analog communication links using TDM or IP based communication links (e.g., packet links).

The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. To the extent that they are not inconsistent with the specific teachings and definitions herein, all of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, including but not limited to U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/329,891; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/782,261; U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/209,582; and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/031,605, with the present disclosure are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits and concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of operation in a content delivery platform including at least one processor-based component having at least one nontransitory processor-readable medium communicatively coupled to the processor and which stores at least one of processor-executable instructions or data, the method comprising: for each of a plurality of media content consumers viewers of each of a plurality of narratives, each narrative comprised of a set of a plurality of narrative segments, at least two of the narrative segments of each of the narratives having a distinct temporal order within a time sequence of events of the respective narrative: tracking a respective path in which the respective media content consumer progresses through at least a portion of the respective narrative on a narrative segment by narrative segment basis; and causing a sharing of information about the respective paths between at least two of the media content consumers.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein causing a sharing of information about the respective paths between at least two of the media content consumers includes sending a message to a first one of the media content consumers which indicates a progress of a second one of the media content consumers where an online relationship has been previously established between the first and the second media content consumers.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein causing a sharing of information about the respective paths between at least two of the media content consumers includes sending a message to a first one of the media content consumers which indicates a divergence of the respective path of the second one of the media content consumers through the respective narrative from the respective path of the first one of the media content consumers through the respective narrative where an online relationship has been previously established between the first and the second media content consumers.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein causing a sharing of information about the respective paths between at least two of the media content consumers includes sending a message to a first one of the media content consumers which indicates a matching of the respective path of the second one of the media content consumers through the respective narrative with the respective path of the first one of the media content consumers through the respective narrative where an online relationship has been previously established between the first and the second media content consumers.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: for each of at least some of the media content consumers, generating a respective narrative path graph comprising a plurality of nodes and at least one edge which extends between respective pairs of the nodes, by the at least one processor-based component, each of the nodes corresponding to a respective one of the narrative segments of the respective narrative, and each of the at least one edge indicative of the respective presentation sequence in which the respective narrative segments of the respective presentation of the respective narrative were actually presented to the respective media content consumer based on the selections by the respective media content consumer.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein generating a narrative path graph with a plurality of nodes and at least one edge which extends between respective pairs of the nodes, includes generating the narrative path graph having edges only for the respective presentation sequence actually taken by the respective user and which omits edges for any presentation sequence which the respective user has not taken or has not yet taken, and where such is available between at the end of each narrative segment and is available between a respective start and a respective end of a presentation of at least one narrative segment.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein causing a sharing of information about the respective paths between at least two of the media content consumers includes sharing the respective narrative path graph of a respective path that a first one of the media content consumers has taken at least partially through a first one of the narratives with at least a second one of the media content consumers.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein causing a sharing of information about the respective paths between at least two of the media content consumers further includes sharing the respective narrative path graph of a respective path that a second one of the media content consumers has taken at least partially through the first one of the narratives with at least the first one of the media content consumers.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: for each of a number of the media content consumers, comparing the respective path in which the respective media content consumer has progressed through the respective narrative with the respective path in which another one of the media content consumers has progressed through the respective narrative, by the at least one processor-based component.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: based at least in part on the comparing of respective paths, notifying at least a first one of the media content consumers of at least a second one of the media content consumer with an identical path though the respective narrative.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: based at least in part on the comparing of respective paths, notifying at least a first one of the media content consumers of at least a second one of the media content consumer with a similar and non-identical path though the respective narrative.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: based at least in part on the comparing of respective paths, notifying at least a first one of the media content consumers of at least a second one of the media content consumer with a complimentary path though the respective narrative.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: establishing an online relationship between the first one of the media content consumers and the second one of the media content consumers.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: for each of at least the first and the second ones of the media content consumers, generating a respective narrative path graph comprising a plurality of nodes and at least one edge which extends between respective pairs of the nodes, by the at least one processor-based component, each of the nodes corresponding to a respective one of the narrative segments of the respective narrative, and each of the at least one edge indicative of the respective presentation sequence in which the respective narrative segments of the respective presentation of the respective narrative were actually presented to the respective media content consumer based on the selections by the respective media content consumer; and sharing the respective narrative path graph for the first one of the media content consumers with at least the second one of the media content consumers.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: sharing by the first one of the media content consumers with the second one of the media content consumers, one of the narrative segments of the narrative which the second one of the media content consumers has not previously been provided access to in the second one of the media content consumers progress through the respective narrative.
 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: establishing an online relationship between the first one of the media content consumers and the second one of the media content consumers.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: for each of at least the first and the second ones of the media content consumers, generating a respective narrative path graph comprising a plurality of nodes and at least one edge which extends between respective pairs of the nodes, by the at least one processor-based component, each of the nodes corresponding to a respective one of the narrative segments of the respective narrative, and each of the at least one edge indicative of the respective presentation sequence in which the respective narrative segments of the respective presentation of the respective narrative were actually presented to the respective media content consumer based on the selections by the respective media content consumer; and sharing the respective narrative path graph for the first one of the media content consumers with at least the second one of the media content consumers.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: sharing by the first one of the media content consumers with the second one of the media content consumers, one of the narrative segments of the narrative which the second one of the media content consumers has not previously been provided access to in the second one of the media content consumers progress through the respective narrative.
 19. The method of claim 12, further comprising: establishing an online relationship between the first one of the media content consumers and the second one of the media content consumers.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: for each of at least the first and the second ones of the media content consumers, generating a respective narrative path graph comprising a plurality of nodes and at least one edge which extends between respective pairs of the nodes, by the at least one processor-based component, each of the nodes corresponding to a respective one of the narrative segments of the respective narrative, and each of the at least one edge indicative of the respective presentation sequence in which the respective narrative segments of the respective presentation of the respective narrative were actually presented to the respective media content consumer based on the selections by the respective media content consumer; and sharing the respective narrative path graph for the first one of the media content consumers with at least the second one of the media content consumers.
 21. The method of claim 19, further comprising: sharing by the first one of the media content consumers with the second one of the media content consumers, one of the narrative segments of the narrative which the second one of the media content consumers has not previously been provided access to in the second one of the media content consumers progress through the respective narrative.
 22. A content delivery system, comprising: at least one processor-based component; and at least one nontransitory processor-readable medium communicatively coupled to the at least one processor-based component and which stores at least one of data or processor-executable instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor-based component of the content delivery system, cause the at least one processor-based component to: for each of a plurality of media content consumers viewers of each of a plurality of narratives, each narrative comprised of a set of a plurality of narrative segments, at least two of the narrative segments of each of the narratives having a distinct temporal order within a time sequence of events of the respective narrative: track a respective path in which the respective media content consumer progresses through at least a portion of the respective narrative on a narrative segment by narrative segment basis; and cause a sharing of information about the respective paths between at least two of the media content consumers.
 23. The content delivery system of claim 22 wherein to cause a sharing of information about the respective paths between at least two of the media content consumers the at least one processor-based component causes a message to be sent to a first one of the media content consumers which indicates a progress of a second one of the media content consumers where an online relationship has been previously established between the first and the second media content consumers.
 24. The content delivery system of claim 22 wherein to cause a sharing of information about the respective paths between at least two of the media content consumers the at least one processor-based component causes a message to be sent to a first one of the media content consumers which indicates a divergence of the respective path of the second one of the media content consumers through the respective narrative from the respective path of the first one of the media content consumers through the respective narrative where an online relationship has been previously established between the first and the second media content consumers.
 25. The content delivery system of claim 22 wherein to cause a sharing of information about the respective paths between at least two of the media content consumers the at least one processor-based component causes a message to be sent to a first one of the media content consumers which indicates a matching of the respective path of the second one of the media content consumers through the respective narrative with the respective path of the first one of the media content consumers through the respective narrative where an online relationship has been previously established between the first and the second media content consumers.
 26. The content delivery system of claim 22 wherein, when executed, the processor-executable instructions cause the at least one processor-based component further to: for each of at least some of the media content consumers, generate a respective narrative path graph comprising a plurality of nodes and at least one edge which extends between respective pairs of the nodes, by the at least one processor-based component, each of the nodes corresponding to a respective one of the narrative segments of the respective narrative, and each of the at least one edge indicative of the respective presentation sequence in which the respective narrative segments of the respective presentation of the respective narrative were actually presented to the respective media content consumer based on the selections by the respective media content consumer.
 27. The content delivery system of claim 26 wherein to generate a narrative path graph with a plurality of nodes and at least one edge which extends between respective pairs of the nodes, the at least one processor-based component generates the narrative path graph having edges only for the respective presentation sequence actually taken by the respective user and which omits edges for any presentation sequence which the respective user has not taken or has not yet taken, and where such is available between at the end of each narrative segment and is available between a respective start and a respective end of a presentation of at least one narrative segment.
 28. The content delivery system of claim 26 wherein to cause a sharing of information about the respective paths between at least two of the media content consumers the at least one processor-based component causes the respective narrative path graph of a respective path that a first one of the media content consumers has taken at least partially through a first one of the narratives to be shared with at least a second one of the media content consumers.
 29. The content delivery system of claim 28 wherein to cause a sharing of information about the respective paths between at least two of the media content consumers the at least one processor-based component further causes the respective narrative path graph of a respective path that a second one of the media content consumers has taken at least partially through the first one of the narratives to be shared with at least the first one of the media content consumers.
 30. The content delivery system of claim 22 wherein, when executed, the processor-executable instructions cause the at least one processor-based component further to: for each of a number of the media content consumers, compare the respective path in which the respective media content consumer has progressed through the respective narrative with the respective path in which another one of the media content consumers has progressed through the respective narrative, by the at least one processor-based component.
 31. The content delivery system of claim 30 wherein, when executed, the processor-executable instructions cause the at least one processor-based component further to: based at least in part on the comparing of respective paths, notify at least a first one of the media content consumers of at least a second one of the media content consumer with an identical path though the respective narrative.
 32. The content delivery system of claim 30 wherein, when executed, the processor-executable instructions cause the at least one processor-based component further to: based at least in part on the comparing of respective paths, notify at least a first one of the media content consumers of at least a second one of the media content consumer with a similar and non-identical path though the respective narrative.
 33. The content delivery system of claim 30 wherein, when executed, the processor-executable instructions cause the at least one processor-based component further to: based at least in part on the comparing of respective paths, notify at least a first one of the media content consumers of at least a second one of the media content consumer with a complimentary path though the respective narrative.
 34. The content delivery system of claim 33 wherein, when executed, the processor-executable instructions cause the at least one processor-based component further to: for each of at least the first and the second ones of the media content consumers, generate a respective narrative path graph comprising a plurality of nodes and at least one edge which extends between respective pairs of the nodes, by the at least one processor-based component, each of the nodes corresponding to a respective one of the narrative segments of the respective narrative, and each of the at least one edge indicative of the respective presentation sequence in which the respective narrative segments of the respective presentation of the respective narrative were actually presented to the respective media content consumer based on the selections by the respective media content consumer; and cause the respective narrative path graph for the first one of the media content consumers to be shared with at least the second one of the media content consumers. 